Left-sided Heart Disease Research Articles

Outcomes After Noncardiac Surgery for Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Historical Cohort Study

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a substantial preoperative risk factor. For this study, morbidity and mortality were examined after noncardiac surgery in patients with precapillary PH. A retrospective cohort study. Quaternary medical center in Rochester, MN. Adults with PH undergoing noncardiac surgery. None. The PH and surgical databases were reviewed from 2010 to 2017. Patients were excluded if PH was attributable to left-sided heart disease or they had undergone cardiac or transplantation surgeries. To assess whether PH-specific diagnostic or cardiopulmonary testing parameters were predictive of perioperative complications, generalized estimating equations were used. Of 196 patients with PH, 53 (27%) experienced 1 or more complications, including 5 deaths (3%) within 30 days. After adjustment for age and PH type, there were more complications in those undergoing moderate- to high-risk versus low-risk procedures (odds ratio [OR] 4.17 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.07-8.40]; p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, surgical risk, and PH type, the complication risk was greater for patients with worse functional status (OR 2.39 [95% CI 1.19-4.78]; p = 0.01 for classes III/IV v classes I/II) and elevated serum N-terminal fragment of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (OR 2.28 [95% CI 1.05-4.96]; p = 0.04 for ≥300 v <300 pg/mL). After adjusting for age, surgical risk, and functional status, elevated NT-proBNP remained associated with increased risk (OR 2.23 [95% CI 1.05-4.76]; p = 0.04). PH patients undergoing noncardiac surgery have a high frequency of complications. Worse functional status, elevated serum NT-proBNP, and higher-risk surgery are predictive of worse outcome.

Lack of Increased Cardiovascular Risk due to Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients with Left-Sided Heart Disease

Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Left-sided heart disease (LHD) is a potentially important confounder of this association because it is strongly linked to both TR and clinical outcome. We studied 5,886 patients who were followed for a period of 10years after the index echocardiographic examination. The relationship between TR severity and the end point of admission for heart failure or cardiovascular mortality was analyzed using competing risk analysis, Cox model, and propensity score matching. Higher TR grade was associated with markers of LHD including left ventricular systolic dysfunction, valvular heart disease≥moderate, left atrial enlargement, and pulmonary hypertension (all P<.001). There was a significant interaction between TR and the presence of LHD with regard to the end point of heart failure in the competing risks model (P=.01) and the combined end point of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality (P=.02). In both models, moderate/severe TR was associated with higher risk for heart failure (hazard ratio [HR]=3.10; 95% CI, 1.41-6.84; P= .005) and the combined end point of heart failure or cardiovascular mortality (HR=2.75; 95% CI, 1.33-5.63, P=.006) only in patients without LHD. Propensity score matching yielded 350 patient pairs, of which 88% had LHD. The HR for heart failure or cardiovascular mortality at 10years was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.56-1.08; P=.14) in the moderate/severe TR group as compared with the trivial/mild TR. Moderate or severe functional TR portends an increased risk for heart failure and cardiovascular mortality only when isolated, without concomitant LHD.

Prognostic value of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain in a large cohort of outpatients with left-side heart disease

Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) has been proposed as an accurate and sensitive measure of right ventricular function that could integrate other conventional parameters such as tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and fractional area change (FAC%). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between RVFWLS and outcomes in stable asymptomatic outpatients with left-sided structural heart disease. We enrolled 458 asymptomatic patients with left-side heart diseases and any ejection fraction who were referred for echocardiography to two Italian centres. The composite endpoint of death for any cause and heart failure hospitalization was used as primary outcome of this analysis. After a mean follow-up of 5.4 ± 1.2 years, 145 patients (31%) reached the combined endpoint. Most of echocardiographic parameters were related to outcomes, including right ventricular functional parameters. Mean value of RVFWLS in our cohort was -21 ± 8% and it was significantly related to the combined endpoint and in multivariable Cox-regression model; when tested with other echocardiographic parameters that were significantly related to outcome at univariate analysis, RVFWLS maintained its independent association with outcome (hazard ratio 0.963, 95% confidence interval 0.948-0.978; P = 0.0001). The best cut-off value of RVFWLS to predict outcome was -22% (area under the curve 0.677; P < 0.001; sensitivity 70%; 65% specificity). RVFWLS may help clinicians to identify patients with left-sided structural heart disease at higher risk for first heart failure hospitalization and death for any cause.

P4510Impact of secondary tricuspid regurgitation on survival in heart failure - insights from COMMIT-HF registry

Abstract Background Functional tricuspid regurgitation (fTR) is common in left sided heart disease, especially in patients with concomitant left-sided valvular diseases and can lead to functional impairment and reduced survival. However, the impact of fTR on survival in chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) without severe left valvular diseases (LVD) is not fully established. The aim of the present study was to observe if moderate to severe fTR may influence the survival in patients with HFrEF without severe LVD. Methods We have analyzed a large single-center registry (n=2731) of HFrEF patients treated in a large-volume cardiovascular center between 2009–2015. After exclusion of patients with severe aortic and mitral valve disease we have included 2435 patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%). Functional moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation without severe left valvular diseases was present in 465 patients. Twelve -month vital status was available for the whole patient population. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to evaluate the relationship between moderate to severe fTR and mortality in the study group. Results Comparison of clinical data of fTR and non-fTR in HFrEF patients revealed some significant differences (age 63.3±12.9 vs 61.3±12.4, p=0.002; female sex 25.8% vs 17,9%, p&lt;0.001; chronic kidney disease stage III-V 45.3 vs 26.6%, p=0.001; atrial fibrillation 52.4% vs 28.5%, p&lt;0.001). Twelve-month all-cause mortality was over 2-fold higher in the fTR group (21.2% vs 8.1%, p&lt;0.001). There were no significant differences with regard to the medical treatment, implantable defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy. The presence of fTR was identified as an independent echocardiographic factor impaired 12-month all-cause survival (HR 1.59, CI 1.2- 2.09, p&lt;0.001, figure 1) Conclusion Apart from the LVEF, the presence of moderate to severe fTR may predict 12-month all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF. Acknowledgement/Funding None

P1783Prognostic implications of significant tricuspid regurgitation in patients with atrial fibrillation in the absence of left-sided heart disease or pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can be caused by atrial fibrillation (AF) in the absence of left-sided heart disease or pulmonary hypertension. The prognostic impact of AF-TR has not been investigated. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of TR in AF patients who do not show left-sided heart disease, pulmonary hypertension or primary structural abnormalities. Methods A total of 63 AF patients with moderate and severe TR were identified and matched by age and gender to 116 patients with AF without significant TR, resulting in a total study population of 179 patients (mean age 71±7 years, 59% male). As per design of the study, patients with primary TR, significant (moderate or severe) aortic and/or mitral valve disease, previous valvular surgery, congenital heart disease, left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;50%, systolic pulmonary artery pressure &gt;40mmHg, pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads in situ were excluded as well as patients with AF de novo. Patients were followed for the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure and stroke. Results Patients with AF-TR had more often paroxysmal AF as compared to patients without TR (60% vs. 43%, p=0.028). In addition, right atrial volumes and the tricuspid annulus diameter (TAD) were significantly larger in patients with AF-TR compared to their counterparts (p&lt;0.001 for all). Furthermore, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion was significantly lower in patients with AF-TR (17±5 mm vs. 21±6 mm, p&lt;0.001). During follow-up (median 62 [32–95] months) 55 events for the combined endpoint occurred. One- and 5-year event-free survival rates for patients with TR were 71% and 53%, compared to 92% and 85% for patients without TR, respectively (Log rank Chi-Square p&lt;0.001; Figure). In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, gender, NYHA functional class &gt;2, renal function, right ventricular (RV) function and TAD, the presence of significant TR was independently associated with the combined endpoint (HR, 2.495; 95% CI, 1.167–5.335; p=0.018), while RV function was not (HR, 1.026; 95% CI, 0.971–1.085; p=0.364). Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curves Conclusion In the absence of left-sided heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, significant TR is independently associated with worse event-free survival in patients with AF.

Outcome of Patient with Moderate Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation Underwent Mitral Valve Replacement without Tricuspid Valve Repair

Background: The tricuspid is often called the forgotten valve or lost because it is relatively understudied relative to the other cardiac valves. Left-sided valvular heart diseases represent the most common cause of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) and the reported prevalence reached 25% to 30%. Objective: The aim of the work is to give an attention to the problem of moderate functional tricuspid regurgitation with mitral replacement and includes revision of anatomy of tricuspid valve, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of functional tricuspid regurgitation. Patients and Methods: In the present retrospective study, 30 randomly selected patients with moderate functional tricuspid regurgitation (grade 2) underwent mitral replacement for the first time at Al-Hussein University Hospital without repair of their moderate functional tricuspid regurgitation. The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Al-Azhar University Hospitals and a written informed consent is obtained from all patients. Results: In the present study and according to the sex, the females (9) represent (30%) while males (21) were (70%). Their age ranged between 40-60 years with mean 48.40 ± 6.92. The Degree of TR was mild 15 (50.0%), moderate 6 (20.0%), severe 3 (10.0%) and Trivial 6 (20.0%) of Echo data after 6 months. Conclusion: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is commonly associated with mitral (MV) diseases and the presence of significant TR is reported to be an indicator of poor prognosis after the surgical correction of MV diseases.

Outcome of Patient with Moderate Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation Underwent Mitral Valve Replacement without Tricuspid Valve Repair

Background: The tricuspid valve is often called the "forgotten valve" or "lost valve," because it is relatively understudied relative to the other cardiac valves. Left-sided valvular heart diseases represent the most common cause of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) and the reported prevalence reached 25% to 30%. Objective: The aim of the work is to give an attention to the problem of moderate functional tricuspid valve regurgitation with mitral valve replacement and includes revision of anatomy of tricuspid valve, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of functional tricuspid valve regurgitation. Patients and Methods: In the present retrospective study, 30 randomly selected patients with moderate functional tricuspid valve regurgitation (grade 2) underwent mitral valve replacement for the first time at Al-Hussein University Hospital without repair of their moderate functional tricuspid regurgitation. The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Al-Azhar University Hospitals and a written informed consent is obtained from all patients. Results: In the present study and according to the sex, the females (9) represent (30%) while males (21) were (70%). Their age ranged between 40-60 years with mean 48.40 ± 6.92. The Degree of TR was mild 15 (50.0%), moderate 6 (20.0%), severe 3 (10.0%) and Trivial 6 (20.0%) of Echo data after 6 months. Conclusion: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is commonly associated with mitral valve (MV) diseases and the presence of significant TR is reported to be an indicator of poor prognosis after the surgical correction of MV diseases.

4309Structural or functional left sided heart disease found on echocardiographic screening is associated with a higher risk of death in patients with end stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis. Guidelines recommend echocardiography in all incident patients on dialysis and every three years, or when considered for kidney transplantation. The prognostic value of significant valve disease or reduced systolic function detected by echocardiographic screening is however not clear. Purpose We aimed to test the hypothesis that structural heart disease in an unselected, contemporary population of patients on maintenance dialysis is associated to a higher risk of death. Methods Adult chronic haemodialysis patients in two large dialysis centers had transthoracic echocardiography performed immediately prior to dialysis and were followed prospectively. Significant structural or functional left sided heart disease was defined as moderate or severe left-sided valve disease or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40%. Results Among the 247 included patients (66 [IQR 64–67] years of age, 68% male), 54 (22%) had significant structural or functional left sided heart disease. An LVEF ≤40% was observed in 31 patients (13%). Severe or moderate aortic stenosis was present in 4 (2%) and 16 (7%) patients respectively, moderate mitral regurgitation in 4 (2%) patients and mitral stenosis in one (0.4%) patient. In more than half of the patients (56%), significant structural or functional left sided heart disease was not recognized prior to the study. After 2.8 years of follow-up, all-cause mortality was 52% for patients with significant heart disease and 32% for patients without significant structural heart disease (hazard ratio [HR] 1.95 (95% CI 1.25–3.06) (Figure). On multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis, including age, sex, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and time on dialysis, structural heart disease was an independent predictor of mortality with a HR of 1.60 (95% CI 1.01–2.55) along with age (HR per year 1.05 [95% CI 1.03–1.07]). Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival Conclusion Left ventricular systolic dysfunction and moderate to severe valve disease are common and often unrecognized in patients with end-stage renal failure on haemodialysis and are associated with a higher risk of death.

P3367Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricle function in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation and correlates with outcomes

Abstract Background/Introduction Speckle tracking echocardiography has been recently proposed as an accurate and sensitive measure of right ventricle (RV) function that could integrate other more conventional parameters. This tool can be important in the clinical context of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), since TAPSE is not fully representative of global RV function and can overestimate this in presence of severe TR. Purpose Evaluate the prognostic relevance of different parameters of RV structure and function derived from 2D and speckle tracking echocardiographic analysis of clinically stable patients with severe TR referred for routine follow up in the context of many etiologies of left side heart disease (secondary TR). Methods The present is a retrospective analysis of prospectively acquired echocardiographic studies including patients with severe secondary TR in the context of left side heart disease. Fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV global longitudinal strain (RVLS) and RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) as well as LV function were measured. As suggested in previous studies, we also aimed to explored the use in this population of: i)RVLS/pulmonary systolic arterial pressure (PASP); ii) RVFWLS (average lateral 3 segments strain)/IVSLS (average medial 3 segment strain) as index of RV-LV dependency. The composite end-point of this study included death for any cause and heart failure hospitalization. Results 61 patients (mean age 58±20 years, 65% men), were included. After a mean follow up period of 3,6±2 years 57% of patients reached the combined end-point. At Cox regression univariate analysis a significant correlation with outcomes was found for RVend-diastolic diameter (HR 0,42, p: 0.018), right atrial area (HR: 3, p: 0.02), RVFWLS/IVSLS (HR: 0.5, p: 0.020), RVLS/PASP (HR 0.186, p: 0.039). In multivariable Cox-regression model we found that LVEF, RV dimension and RVFWLS/IVSLS were independently related to outcome; this last one parameter showed the best correlation with outcomes. Conclusions In asymptomatic and clinically stable patients with severe secondary TR longitudinal function of RV free wall is not related to outcomes but RV-arterial coupling and the ratio between deformation of free wall and septal wall of RV are good predictors of clinical deterioration at follow up. The last one conceptually represents the interaction between RV and LV in secondary TR and allows a real “correction” of those effects of severity of TR on the base to apex gradient of lateral wall longitudinal deformation (TR increases movement of basal segments).

P1857Risk calculator for prediction of iatrogenic atrial septal defect persistence following percutaneous mitral valve repair

Abstract Background The rising number of new percutaneous interventions for left-sided heart disease leads to increased occurrence of iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD). The percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) for severe, symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) also requires intraprocedural puncture of the interatrial septum. In some cases iASD is persisting and becomes haemodynamically relevant with enhanced right heart overload due to significant left-to-right-shunting. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate pre- and periprocedural factors that may favour persistence and haemodynamic relevance of iASD in patients after PMVR. Methods In 2015, 75 consecutive patients with severe MR (age 74.8±10.5y) and following PMVR were enrolled. After 12 months, 57 patients completed their follow up (FU) including clinical conditions, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) whenever feasible. We evaluated the impact of comorbidities as well as intraprocedural, haemodynamic and functional characteristics that may favour persistence of iASD by multivariate analysis. Haemodynamic relevance of iASD was defined as right heart overload with predominantly significant enlargement of the right atrium (RA), impairment of right heart function as defined by fractional area shortening (FAC), and ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow (Qp/Qs&gt;1) when available. Results 18 out of 57 patients (32%) showed a persistent iASD (+iASD), being associated with a specific combination of comorbidities as well as pre-procedural and periprocedural factors that can be summarised by a multifactorial iASD risk calculator (+iASD vs. -iASD: 6.3±2.9 vs. 3.9±2.7; p=0.0058). 11 iASD (61%) became haemodynamically relevant (+hd iASD) with a significant right heart overload (RA area +hd iASD vs. -hd iASD: baseline 23.1±4.1 vs. 23.2±4.3; FU 30.7±6.3 vs. 20.1±4.6; p&lt;0.0001), reduced RV function (FAC +hd iASD vs. -hd iASD: baseline 41.0±10.3 vs. 29.9±7.2; FU 25.3±7.2 vs. 29.1±13.2; p&lt;0.0156) and left-to-right shunting (Qp/Qs -iASD vs. +hd iASD vs. -hd iASD: 1.0±0.3 vs. 1.7±0.4 vs. 0.8±0.1 L/min; p=0.0011). Conclusion This study shows for the first time, that persistence of iASD can be predicted by pre- and periprocedural factors using a risk calculator that may additionally guide careful follow up imaging and therapeutic action after PMVR to avoid development of progressive heart failure.

Cryoablation method for pulmonary artery sympathetic denervation in patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to left sided heart disease: interventional technique, safety and results of the hospital phase

pulmonary artery pressure in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension and Chronic Heart Failure. Materials and methods. Inclusion in the study (n=20) was based on the results of an echocardiographic study (systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery ≥35 mm Hg) and clinical assessment (NYHA ≥II FC heart failure). The procedure of pulmonary artery cryodenervation was performed at the bifurcation level of the main pulmonary trunk using single-point cryoablation catheter. The cryoablation was applied in a circular way around the pulmonary trunk at the bifurcation level, rotating the catheter tip with the pace of2 mm with temperature minus 75-80o C and time 120 s at each spot. The study endpoints were the changes in systolic pulmonary artery pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vessel resistance and 6 min walking test before and immediately after procedure. Results. We analyzed intermediate results of sympathetic fibers cryodestruction, located in the bifurcation of main pulmonary trunk. The mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 40 [37; 44] tо 31 [28; 35] mm Hg (p&lt;0,05), pulmonary vessel resistance decreased from 5,6 [4,9; 6,1] tо 3,9 [3,5; 4,5] WU (p&lt;0,05) and improvement of 6 min walking test from 287 [233; 332] to 320 [276; 348] m (p&lt;0,05) was observed. There were no cases of early deaths and specific complications. Conclusion. The cryoablation pulmonary denervation is a new promising treatment in patients with pulmonary hypertension. First clinical results demonstrate the safety of this procedure. Further randomized studies are required to confirm the efficacy of PDCM. However, today we can see decrease of hemodynamic parameters and clinical improvement when using the new technique in a certain group of patients.

Uncertainties and challenges in surgical and transcatheter tricuspid valve therapy: a state-of-the-art expert review.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent and complex problem, commonly combined with left-sided heart disease, such as mitral regurgitation. Significant TR is associated with increased mortality if left untreated or recurrent after therapy. Tricuspid regurgitation was historically often disregarded and remained undertreated. Surgery is currently the only Class I Guideline recommended therapy for TR, in the form of annuloplasty, leaflet repair, or valve replacement. As growing experience of transcatheter therapy in structural heart disease, many dedicated transcatheter tricuspid repair or replacement devices, which mimic well-established surgical techniques, are currently under development. Nevertheless, many aspects of TR are little understood, including the disease process, surgical or interventional risk stratification, and predictors of successful therapy. The optimal treatment timing and the choice of proper surgical or interventional technique for significant TR remain to be elucidated. In this context, we aim to highlight the current evidence, underline major controversial issues in this field and present a future roadmap for TR therapy.

Point-of-care echocardiographic screening for left-sided valve heart disease: high yield and affordable cost in an elderly cohort recruited in primary practice

Background Data about the epidemiology of valvular heart disease (VHD) in the elderly is scarce. Hand-held ultrasound devices (HUDs) enable point-of-care ultrasound scanning (POCUS) but their use in an elderly population has not been reported for VHD screening in primary practice.Methods One hundred consecutive subjects aged >70 years without a VHD diagnosis had 2D and colour Doppler POCUS by an accredited sonographer, using a contemporary HUD (Vscan), in a primary practice setting. Patients with left-sided valve pathology identified by Vscan were referred for formal echo in the local tertiary cardiac centre.Results Mean age (s.d.) was 79.08 (3.74) years (72–92 years); 61 female. By Vscan, we found five patients with ≥moderate aortic stenosis (AS), eight with ≥moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) and none with ≥moderate aortic regurgitation. In the AS and MR groups each, one patient had valve intervention following from the initial diagnosis by Vscan, two and one respectively are under follow-up in the valve clinic, while two and four respectively refused TTE or follow-up. Two patients with moderate MR by Vscan had mild and mild/moderate MR respectively by TTE and were discharged. Total cost for scanning 100 patients was $18,201–i.e. $182/patient.Conclusions Screening with a hand-held scanner (Vscan), we identified 5/100 elderly subjects who needed valve replacement or follow-up in valve clinic, at a cost of $182/patient. These findings have potential significance for the allocation of resources in the context of an ageing population.

Pulmonary hypertension and valvular heart disease.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with left-sided heart disease, including valvular heart disease. In this context, elevated left atrial pressure primarily leads to the development of post-capillary PH. Despite the fact that repair of left-sided valvular heart disease by surgical or interventional approaches will improve PH, recent studies have highlighted that PH (pre- or post-interventional) remains an important predictor of long-term outcome. Here, we review the current knowledge on PH in valvular heart disease taking into account new hemodynamic PH definitions, and the distinction between post- and pre-capillary components of PH. Aspecific focus is on the precise characterization of hemodynamics and cardiopulmonary interaction, and on potential strategies for the management of residual PH after mitral or aortic valve interventions. In addition, we highlight the clinical significance of tricuspid regurgitation, which may occur as aprimary condition or as aconsequence of PH and right heart dilatation (functional). In this context, proper patient selection for potential tricuspid valve interventions is crucial. Finally, the article highlights gaps in evidence, and points toward future perspectives.

Prognostic Importance and Predictors of Survival in Isolated Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Growing Problem

ObjectiveTo define mortality associated with isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and identify risk factors associated with decreased survival. Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of residents of southeastern Minnesota with moderate-severe or more severe isolated TR diagnosed between January 1, 2005, and April 15, 2015. Isolated TR was defined as TR in the absence of left-sided heart disease or pulmonary hypertension. Patients with an ejection fraction of less than 50%, right ventricular systolic pressure greater than 45 mm Hg, moderate or more severe left-sided valve disease, congenital cardiac anomalies, previous valve operation, tricuspid stenosis, flail leaflet, carcinoid, and rheumatic disease were excluded. Five-year survival was compared with age- and sex-matched Minnesota census bureau data. Multivariate regression was used to identify variables associated with mortality. ResultsOver a 10-year period, 289 patients with isolated TR were identified. The mean ± SD age was 79.2±10.6 years, 70.6% (204) were women, atrial fibrillation was present in 74.0% (214), and 24.6% (71) had an intracardiac device. By 5 years after diagnosis, 51.5% had been hospitalized for heart failure. Observed 5-year mortality was 47.8% compared with 36.3% in the census data (P=.005). After adjusting for age and other comorbidities, multivariate regression identified a dilated inferior vena cava (≥2.1 cm) without respiratory variation on echocardiography (hazard ratio, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.13-3.31; P=.02) and creatinine level greater than 1.6 mg/dL (hazard ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.16-2.8; P=.009) as associated with increased mortality. ConclusionPatients with isolated TR are frequently hospitalized for heart failure and experience excess mortality. Elevated right atrial pressure and renal dysfunction are associated with mortality. This poor outcome may have implications for timing of intervention.

Comparison of Right Ventricular Function Between Patients With and Without Pulmonary Hypertension Owing to Left-Sided Heart Disease: Assessment Based on Right Ventricular Pressure–Volume Curves

Right ventricular (RV) failure with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is frequently encountered in patients with advanced left-sided heart disease (LHD). However, RV energetics in patients with postcapillary PH because of LHD has not been well studied. The authors investigated intraoperative RV energetics in patients with PH due to LHD based on pressure-volume curves with three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and pulmonary artery catheterization. Exploratory study. National center. Thirty-three patients who underwent cardiac surgery for LHD were enrolled. Ten patients had PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mmHg). None. RV stroke work index (RVSWI) was calculated by integrating the area bounded by the pressure-volume curve. RV minute work index (RVMWI) was calculated as RVSWI × heart rate. Right ventriculo-arterial coupling was estimated as stroke volume divided by end-systolic volume (SV/ESV). The authors compared RV energetics between patients with and without PH because of LHD. RVSWI and RVMWI were significantly higher in patients with PH (690.7 mmHg·mL/m2 [601.6-737.1] v 440.9 mmHg·mL/m2 [330.8-585.3], p = 0.015, and 60,068 mmHg·mL/m2/min [35,547-68,741] v 26,351 mmHg·mL/m2/min [17,316-32,517], p = 0.011, respectively), although cardiac index was nearly identical. SV/ESV was significantly lower in patients with PH (0.520 [0.305-0.810] v 0.820 (0.650-1.090), p = 0.007). Although cardiac index was similar, RVSWI and RVMWI were significantly higher and SV/ESV was significantly lower in patients with PH because of LHD, suggesting that patients with postcapillary PH have inefficient RV performance.

Tricuspid regurgitation and indications for treatment

Tricuspid regurgitation is a frequent valvular heart disease, particularly in the elderly and in association with other left-sided heart diseases. It has an adverse prognostic impact, with progressively increasing mortality as the degree of regurgitation increases. Isolated or combined (with mitral and/or aortic) surgery remains the treatment of choice, provided operative risk is acceptable. Several transcatheter treatment techniques, currently in early clinical or preclinical study phase, could provide alternative treatment options for patients with high surgical risk.

Analyses for Prevalence and Outcome of Tricuspid Regurgitation in China: An Echocardiography Study of 134,874 Patients

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and outcome of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in the Chinese population. Methods: The echocardiography database, including 134,874 patients at our heart center from 2010 to 2012, was retrospectively analyzed. Results: The rates of mild, moderate, and severe TR were 2.96, 2.22, and 1.39%, respectively. Of these patients, 4.86% had primary TR, 91.41% had functional TR, and 3.73% had unexplained TR. The rate of TR was increased in elders (odds ratio: 1.038 for 1 year’s increment; 95% confidence interval: 1.037–1.040; p < 0.001) and females (odds ratio: 1.386; 95% confidence interval: 1.327–1.448, p < 0.001). The major etiologies of TR were left-sided valve heart disease (VHD) and dilated cardiomyopathy. The survival rate of severe TR patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) was lower than in those without PAH (p < 0.0001). There was a positive association between the prevalence of TR and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. Compared to the non-left-sided VHD group, the left-sided VHD group had a better prognosis among severe TR patients. The 5-year survival rates were 79.69, 71.12, and 77.01% in the groups of left-sided VHD, non-left-sided VHD, and all patients. Conclusions: Patients with severe TR have a bad prognosis, especially those with non-left-sided VHD and those with PAH.

Analysis of Novel Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)

Due to the non-specific clinical presentation of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), diagnosis is often delayed, consequently resulting in limited therapeutic success and an impaired prognosis. In this trial, we analysed the plasma concentrations of novel cardiovascular biomarkers that reflect different pathobiological pathways (sST2: soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2, H-FABP: heart type fatty acid binding protein, suPAR: soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor and GDF-15: growth-differentiation factor-15) potentially involved in PH associated vascular and right ventricular remodelling. Thus, these markers could contribute to the development of a non-invasive approach for diagnosis and therapy surveillance of PH patients in the future. In total, we enrolled 162 patients in this single-centre retrospective analysis consisting of 88 patients suffering from PH and 74 controls. The latter were admitted for elective coronary angiography and coronary artery disease was excluded. Plasma samples of all patients were obtained and analysed for sST2, H-FABP, GDF-15 and suPAR serum concentrations by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits (DuoSet ELISA, DY523B, DY957, DY807, DGAL30, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA) after obtaining informed consent. Compared with controls, all of the investigated biomarkers were significantly elevated in patients with pulmonary hypertension (H-FABP median 3.5 ng/ml vs. median 0.0 ng/ml, p < 0.001; sST2 median 6364.6 pg/ml vs. median 5015.9 pg/ml, p = 0.004; GDF-15 median 1829.3 pg/ml vs. median 514.1 pg/ml, p < 0.001; suPAR median 4878.7 pg/ml vs. median 2227.0 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Interestingly, we found a significant difference in the biomarker concentrations of H-FABP, GDF-15 and suPAR between the five groups of pulmonary hypertension. In fact, we found that H-FABP levels were primarily elevated in group 2 and 3 PH, whereas the concentrations of GDF-15 and suPAR were primarily associated with pulmonary hypertension due to left sided heart disease (group 2). While sST2 constitutes a general biomarker of pulmonary hypertension regardless of the subtype, H-FABP, GDF-15 and suPAR represent indicators of postcapillary PH. Thereby, they could constitute potential discriminators between pre- and postcapillary PH.

New therapeutic options for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation

Tricuspid regurgitation is a common finding in patients with left-sided heart disease with prognostic implications. In addition, isolated tricuspid valve surgery is associated with high mortality and is infrequently performed. Hence, a largely unmet clinical need exists and less invasive therapeutic options are emerging: multiple percutaneous therapies have been developed, including tricuspid valve repair or replacement. This review aims to provide an overview with diagnostic and clinical perspectives, potential challenges and future directions.