Posterior Mitral Annulus Research Articles

Rapid growth of calcified amorphous tumor with mitral annulus calcification: a case report

BackgroundCalcified amorphous tumor (CAT) of the heart is a rare, non-neoplastic cardiac mass with mitral valves and annuli being the most common sites. The presence of mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with an increased risk of stroke or other systemic embolisms. Here, we report a case of CAT showing rapid growth with MAC and investigate the link between the two.Case presentationA 71-year-old man presented at our hospital with dyspnea and had been undergoing hemodialysis for 26 years for chronic glomerulonephritis. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed moderate mitral stenosis with bulky MAC. Two months later, the patient developed progressive dyspnea, and follow-up TTE revealed a highly mobile mass (8 × 5 mm) attached to the left ventricular (LV) side of the posterior MAC. He underwent surgery because of congestive heart failure and a high risk of embolization. Surgical inspection revealed that the tumor was attached beneath the P3 segment of the mitral valve on the LV side and was removed. When removing the MAC, toothpaste-like contents drained from the encapsulated mass inside the MAC at the P3 segment, where the tumor was located. After reconstructing the posterior mitral annulus defect with a bovine pericardial patch, mitral valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis, a maze procedure, and left appendage closure were performed. Histopathological examination revealed that the excised tumor contained fibrin and calcium deposits. The mass was diagnosed as a CAT.ConclusionsCAT may be one of the causes of stroke induced by MAC. Routine follow-up echocardiography should be recommended for patients with MAC, especially those undergoing hemodialysis.

A RARE COMPLICATION OF MITRAL TEER PROCEDURE: CLIP LATE DETACHMENT AND EMBOLIZATION

Abstract Intraprocedural and late complications of MitraClip implantation have already been described. This report highlights the importance of conventional surgical options in the event of percutaneous treatment failure. An 85–year–old woman with a history of chronic anemia, and thalassemia Minor was referred to our clinic for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to a P2 flail with significant calcification of the posterior mitral annulus. During the Heart Team discussion, age and comorbidities led to consider the patient eligible for TEER with the MitraClip system (EuroSCORE II 9,34%; STS score 7,47%). TEER procedure was uneventful: one XTW was deployed at the level of the flail (A2–P2), a second XTW was then placed more lateral to treat a separate residual jet, and one NTW was finally placed between them. MR reduction was considered acceptable (moderate MR, mean grad 6 mmHg). After two months, symptoms worsened, and TTE showed severe MR (no device detachment) with increased sPAP and associated moderate TR. A couple of weeks later, the patient was hospitalized. Chest X–ray revealed clip embolization confirmed by coronary angiography that showed an XTW Clip embolized to the Right coronary sinus with partial occlusion of the ostium. Percutaneous clip retrieval is described in the literature, but the embolized device position and the presence of recurrent severe MR led us to prefer an urgent surgical intervention. Under CPB, the embolized XTW was easily retrieved through a small aortotomy; the intervention was completed by mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve repair. The postoperative course was uneventful. Predischarge TTE showed normal mitral bioprosthesis function, mild AR, mild TR, and preserved LV function. DISCUSSION Clip embolization is a rare but potentially critical complication of TEER and can happen periprocedurally or on early follow–up. Single leaflet detachment is more common, but complete detachment and embolization can occur. Therapeutic options are represented by surgical or transcatheter approaches according to embolization sites and patient comorbidities. In our case, the risk of potential coronary obstruction or thrombosis and the concomitant need for MR treatment have led us to consider surgery as the first option. CONCLUSION TEER can be graved by acute or late complications. The best approach has to be tailored to each patient, and surgery can be an effective and safe option even for initially discarded high–risk patients.

Evaluation of left ventricular function in patients with mitral annular disjunction using speckle tracking echocardiography.

Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is a structural abnormality characterized by the systolic detachment of the posterior mitral annulus and the ventricular myocardium. It is usually observed coexistent with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and associated with a mechanical dysfunction despite preserved electrical isolation function of the mitral annulus. This study aimed to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function using speckle tracking echocardiography in MVP patients with MAD. This study was designed as a prospective, single-center study including 103 patients with MVP and 40 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were performed to assess LV function and MAD presence. MAD (+) MVP (n=34), MAD (-) MVP (n=69), and control (n=40) groups were enrolled in the study. Among the MVP patients, 34 (33%) had MAD. T-negativity in the inferior leads on electrocardiography was more frequent in the MAD (+) group than in the MAD (-) patients (4.3%vs. 20.6%, p=.014). Mitral regurgitation degree, Pickelhaube sign (17.6%vs. 1.4%, p=.005), and late gadolinium enhancement frequency (35.3%vs. 10.6%, p=.002) were significantly higher in MAD (+) patients. MAD (+) patients had significantly impaired global longitudinal strain (-23.1±2.1vs. -23.5±2.3, p<.001), basal longitudinal strain (BLS) (-19.6±1.5vs. -20.5±1.9, p<.001), Mid-Ventricular Longitudinal Strain (-22.2±1.7vs. -23.2±2.2, p<.001) and LA strain (-24.5±3.9vs. -27.2±3.6, p<.001) when compared to MAD (-) MVP patients, despite similar LV ejection fraction. All these values of MVP patients were also significantly lower than the control group. The mean MAD distance was 7.8±3.2mm in MAD (+) patients. Patients with two or more symptoms were higher in the MAD (+) group than in the MAD (-) group (4.3%vs. 44.1%, p<.001). This study demonstrated a significant decrease in longitudinal strain in MVP patients with MAD, indicating myocardial dysfunction. These findings suggest that MAD may contribute to LV dysfunction and highlight the importance of early detection in younger patients. Further research is needed to explore the functional implications and long-term outcomes of MAD.

Telesimulation Training for Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery: An Air-Pilot Training Concept for Distance Training.

The aim of this study was to validate and assess the feasibility and impact of telesimulation training on surgical skills using a portable mitral valve telesimulator. A telesimulation course composed of 3 online modules was designed based on backwards chaining, preassessment and postassessment, performance feedback, hands-on training on a telesimulator, and the theoretical content. A fully 3-dimensional-printed and transportable telesimulator was developed and sent out to the participants with instruments that were needed. Feedback about the platform was obtained from participants to validate its value as a training tool. Theoretical and technical assessments were carried out before and after the course. Technical assessments were based on the accuracy and time taken to place sutures at the anterior and posterior mitral annulus. In total, 11 practicing cardiac surgeons from Oceania, Asia, Europe, and North America completed the course. Theoretical preassessment and postassessment showed that participants scored significantly higher on postassessment (mean 87.5% vs 68.1%, P < 0.004). The participant evaluation scores of the simulator as a tool for endoscopic mitral valve surgery was 4 to 5 out of 5. There was a significant improvement in the speed (median 14.5 vs 39.5 s, P < 0.005) and the accuracy to place sutures in the mitral valve annulus following course completion (P < 0.001). Here we validated the educational value of a novel telesimulation platform and validated the feasibility to teach participants at a distance the knowledge and skills for endoscopic mitral valve surgery. Future studies will be required to validate the improvement in skills during surgery.

Simulation-based training for endoscopic mitral valve repair: the impact on basic surgical skills for placement of sutures at mitral valve annulus during 2-h training workshop.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on surgical skills during 2-h learning labs during surgical annual meeting. During the 36th European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery annual meeting a learning drylab for simulation-based training for endoscopic mitral valve repair was set up. For this purpose, a validated high-fidelity endoscopic mitral valve surgery simulator and a validated suturing map were used. The training lasted 2 h. Technical pre- and post-assessment were carried out based on time and accuracy to place a suture at the posterior mitral valve annulus. The suture had to be placed within 60 s. The suture was considered anatomically correct if it entered and exited the annulus at the designated place (on the posterior annulus) and accurate if placed within the right width (8-12 mm). In total, 46 participants were included in this study, of whom 18 (38%) were experienced/staff surgeons, 23 (51%) fellows and 5 (11%) residents. Before the training, 48% of the participants failed to place any suture for pre-assessment. After completing the training, 100% of the participants succeeded in placing an anatomically correct suture. There was a significant improvement in the time taken [pre-assessment mean 45 (standard deviation: 25) s vs post-assessment mean 18 (standard deviation: 12) s, P < 0.001] and the accuracy to place a suture in the mitral valve annulus after completing the training (pre-assessment 32.6% vs post-assessment 65.2%, P < 0.001). This study shows a significant improvement in endoscopic skills for mitral valve surgery after completing a 2-h training with a high-fidelity endoscopic mitral valve surgery simulator. This suggests that simulation trainings during scientific annual meetings are effective on surgical skills.

When too much closeness harms: circumflex artery injury during mitral valve surgery.

Occlusion of the left coronary circumflex artery (LCX) during surgical procedures of the mitral valve is an infrequent but potentially life-threatening complication (1-3). Due to its close anatomical relationship to the posterior mitral valve annulus, there is a relevant risk of causing a stenosis or an occlusion of the left circumflex artery, especially by surgical annular sutures. The perioperative clinical course is heterogeneous, ranging from-initially-asymptomatic or solely electrocardiographic abnormalities to cardiogenic shock. Both severely impaired ventricular contractility or malignant arrhythmia may potentially lead to a weaning failure from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and eventually result in chronic heart failure with persistently reduced ejection fraction. Possible therapeutic strategies include the immediate reopening of causal sutures, aortocoronary bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), yet PCI seems to be the preferred method at present.

Iatrogenic coronary artery injuries during non-coronary artery adult cardiac surgery

: The close adjacency of the coronary ostia to the aortic valve, the left circumflex artery to the posterior mitral valve annulus, the right coronary artery to the tricuspid valve, and the septal branch of the left anterior descending artery to the pulmonary valve make them injury prone during surgical interventions on these valves. Iatrogenic coronary artery injuries during non-coronary artery adult cardiac surgery can endanger the myocardium and result in a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality. The clinical presentation of iatrogenic coronary injury is determined by the nature of injury. Acute injuries usually become apparent intraoperatively or immediately postoperatively. Chronic injuries mostly manifest within the first 6 postprocedural months, but they may occur as late as 30 months postoperatively. Prompt diagnosis and timely intervention can salvage the myocardium and improve the prognosis. Intraoperative detection of iatrogenic coronary artery injuries requires a high index of suspicion. The choice of therapeutic strategy, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting, is dictated by the timing of detection as well as the clinical condition of the patient. This review article provides an overview of the incidence, mechanisms, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies to treat iatrogenic coronary artery injuries during non-coronary artery valvular surgery in adults.

P271 CASEOUS CALCIFICATION OF THE MITRAL ANNULUS: ROLE OF 3D ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Abstract The caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare degenerative condition of the mitral valve (0.067% prevalence in the general population) that generally affects older women with hypertension, chronic kidney disease and dyslipidemia. Usually CCMA is asymptomatic and it is associated with mild to moderate mitral regurgitation and it can cause severe mitral valve dysfunction that requires surgical treatment. CASE 1: A 84–year–old woman, with arterial hypertension, was evaluated in our clinic to perform a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) for a previous finding of heart murmur. TTE reveled at the level of the posterior mitral annulus a hyperechoic roundish formation with a central eco–shiny area with a maximum diameter of 20x20 mm. A tridimensional trans–esophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) allowed a better characterization of the mass showing well–defined contours, adhered to the posterior mitral annulus, systolic dislocation of the anterior mitral leaflet, with slight mitral regurgitation. Considering the morphological characteristics of the mass we concluded for a presumptive diagnosis of CMAC. We recommended regular follow–up to the patient. After 6 and 12 months the mass did not change in size and echostructure. CASE 2: An 88–year–old woman with chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and chronic ischemic heart disease was admitted to our ward for acute heart failure. TTE showed a large an echodense mass (43 × 19 mm) involving the posterior mitral annulus, with a central echo–lucent area. A 3D TEE was performed with better mass characterization: involvement of the entire posterior mitral ring, reduced movement of the posterior mitral flap, anterior mitral flap with normal morphology and normal mobility. In consideration of the echocardiographic characteristics we concluded for the presence of CMAC. We discharged the patient with indication for a regular clinical and echocardiographic follow–up. Conclusions The 3D TTE provides adequate morphostructural information that allows in most cases to characterize the CCAM. When the transthoracic approach is difficult due to poor acoustic windows, 3D TEE can be used. Only in rare cases it is necessary to use second–level diagnostic tests such as CT and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Surgery for mitral annular caseous calcification-related calcified amorphous tumor: a case report

BackgroundA calcified amorphous tumor (a non-neoplastic tumor) with caseous calcification of the mitral annulus is a rare pathology that causes severe embolic events. We present a rare case of mitral valve surgery for a mitral annular caseous calcification-related calcified amorphous tumor found in cerebral infarction.Case presentationA 69-year-old man was diagnosed with a mitral valve calcified amorphous tumor with mitral annular caseous calcification found in cerebral infarction. He was admitted because of acute multiple embolic cerebral infarctions. A search for the embolic source through transesophageal echocardiography revealed a mitral valve tumor raised from the posterior mitral valve leaflet on the side of the left ventricle. Computed tomographic cardiac angiography revealed a calcified mitral valve tumor invading the posterior mitral valve annulus and left ventricular muscle. Intraoperative findings revealed a mitral annular calcification-related calcified amorphous tumor with caseous calcification of the posterior leaflet and annulus, which was suspected. Therefore, we performed radical debridement of the mitral annular calcification and bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement with patch repair of the posterior mitral valve annulus 2 weeks after the onset of cerebral infarction. The patient recovered well post operation, without any embolic events.ConclusionsA calcified amorphous tumor with caseous mitral annulus calcification may be highly associated with embolic events. In this case, mitral valve replacement with annular patch repair may be a favorable procedure for preventing embolic events.

Atrial Kitleyi Taklit Eden Spontan İntramural Sol Atrial Hematomun Robot-Asiste Tedavisi

Spontaneous Intramural left atrial hematoma that mimics a primary or metastatic cardiac tumor is a very rare entity. We report a case of a 60-year-old man suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia, who was admitted for prolonged chest pain and fatigue. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a left atrial mass in close proximity to the posterior mitral annulus and failed to provide an ethiological diagnosis. Surgical management was utilized to outrule the atrial neoplasm and to prevent emboli, obstruction and mitral valve insufficiency. This is the first case in the literature in which robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery was adopted to manage such a rare entity.

Mapping and Ablation of Premature Atrial Section Contractions Originating from the Posterior Mitral Annulus: A Case Report

Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC) is frequent arrhythmias. Previously, regarded as a benign electrocardiographic finding, they are now linked to adverse outcomes such as, stroke and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, a high burden of PACs &gt;1.500/24 hours has a predicted probability of atrial fibrillation occurrence. Herein, the authors presented a case of a 35-year-old male patient, with high burden PACs, originating in the posterior mitral annulus. Treatment with class IC (flecainide, propafenone) antiarrhythmic drugs and beta blockers (bisoprolol) was ineffective in controlling the tachycardia, therefore, catheter ablation was performed. The procedure was performed using the Three-Dimensional (3D) Biosense Webster Carto 3 electroanatomical mapping system. The area of the earliest atrial signal was located at the posterior mitral annulus. Successful elimination of the ectopy was obtained with Radiofrequency (RF) application on the posterior mitral ring. A single RF application of 30 W for 60 seconds abolished PACs, with no further recurrence. Holter Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed, no PACs at one, six and 12 months follow-up. Catheter ablation remains an effective approach to cure the arrhythmia, when medical treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs is ineffective or undesirable in patients with high burden PACs.

Results of mitral valve reconstruction using substitute extracellular matrix.

During the ongoing search for an ideal patch material for reconstructive heart surgery, several versions of extracellular matrix (ECM) have been used. However, long-term performance in different cardiac positions is unknown. We performed a retrospective review of outcomes after mitral valve surgery using ECM in 29 patients from 2011 to 2014. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was reviewed (mean time, 6.3±2.8years). ECM was used to reconstruct the posterior mitral annulus in 69% and to repair the mitral leaflet in 65% of the patients. The most prevalent etiology was dystrophic calcification of the annulus (80%) versus endocarditis for leaflet repair (60%). Fifty-five percent of the patients who required annular reconstruction received a mitral valve replacement (MVR). There were 2 perioperative deaths (7%). Long-term data were analyzed according to surgical technique; namely, isolated leaflet repair compared with annular reconstruction with or without MVR. There were 3 late deaths (1 per group). Overall survival was 83% at 7years. Ninety percent of cases with mitral valve repair with or without annular reconstruction were free from more than mild mitral regurgitation, compared with 45% in the MVR and annular reconstruction group. The mechanism of failure was patch degeneration creating a severe paravalvular leak due to prosthesis dehiscence. ECM used to repair the mitral valve leaflets with or without annular reconstruction offers acceptable results. However, caution should be taken with the use of ECM adjacent to prosthetic valve material because of a high rate of failure associated with patch degeneration.

Bulky Mitral Annulus Caseous Calcification in an Atypical Location.

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a commonly observed chronic and degenerative fibrotic process of the base of the mitral valve, usually deemed as an incidental finding. Although initially, MAC was thought to be a consequence of an age-related degenerative process, recent findings suggest other independent contributive mechanisms, such as atherosclerosis and abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (cMAC) is a rarely described variant of MAC, characterized by an ovoid, focal mass with internal caseous fluid-like calcifications and debris. Differentiating a cMAC from other cardiac masses attached to the mitral annulus may be challenging. A single imaging modality, such as transthoracic echocardiography, may not be sufficient for a clear diagnosis. Therefore, a multimodal imaging approach is necessary, including cardiac tomography computerized imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). MAC and cMAC typically affect the posterior mitral annulus, with very few cases in the literature describing the involvement of the anterior annulus. We present a rare case of an anterior mitral annulus caseous calcification found in a CMR performed to evaluate a left atrial mass identified on a transthoracic echocardiogram.

3-Dimensional Images of Mitral Annulus Perforation: An Alien’s Mouth

In this clinical vignette, we describe a case of a patient with windsock-like posterior mitral annulus perforation at the site of annular calcification caused by infective endocarditis. Three-dimensional transesophageal images of the perforation resembling an “alien’s mouth” are very striking for how 3-dimensional imaging can improve visualization of anatomy of the heart. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

The value of myocardial work in detecting the reduction of left ventricular global systolic function in acute myocardial infarction patients with preserved ejection fraction

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis value of myocardial work (MW) in evaluating left ventricular global systolic function among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: This study was a diagnostic trial in a prospective case-control design. AMI patients with preserved LVEF were enrolled as AMI(LVEF>50%) group and age and sex-matched healthy individuals undergoing healthy checkup in our hospital were collected as control group. Two-dimensional dynamic images, including standard apical two-chamber, long-axis and four-chamber views in 3 consecutive cardiac cycles were acquired. General clinical data, routine echocardiography and myocardial work parameters were obtained from all subjects. The indices were compared between the two groups. Intra-observer and inter-observer repeatability of myocardial work parameters were evaluated by intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic value of global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE) and global work index (GWI) on the reduction of left ventricular global systolic function in AMI(LVEF>50%) group. Results: There were 30 patients in AMI(LVEF>50%) group, the age was (67.3±9.7)years, and 14 cases were female(46.7%). Thirty participants were included in the control group, the age was (68.1±8.6)years, and 12 cases were female (40.0%). Compared with the control group, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), interventricular septum thickness (IVSD), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), peak early diastolic velocity of mitral orifice/tissue Doppler velocity of posterior mitral annulus (E/e), left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were significantly higher, while E and e values were significantly lower in AMI (LVEF>50%) group (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, GCW ((1 145.9±440.1)mmHg% (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. (1 425.7±355.4)mmHg%), GWE ((80.9±9.5)% vs. (87.3±5.5)%), GWI ((1 001.3±416.2)mmHg% vs. (1 247.6±341.7)mmHg%) and the absolute value of long axis integral strain (GLS) ((8.5±3.4)% vs. (11.4±3.7)%) were significantly lower, while peak strain dispersion(PSD)((101.3±66.4)ms vs. (74.7±31.9)ms) was significantly higher in AMI(LVEF>50%) group (P all<0 05). There was no significant difference in GWW((177.2±71.1)mmHg% vs. (155.7±64.6)mmHg%) between the two groups (P>0.05). The reproducibility of GCW, GWW, GWE and GWI within and between observers were satisfactory (all ICC>0.75). ROC curve analysis showed that all four parameters, GCW, GWW, GWE, and GWI, could be used for the diagnosis of reduced left ventricular systolic function in patients with AMI (LVEF>50%), and their areas under the ROC curve were 0.896,0.929,0.808,0.862. Conclusion: Myocardial work assessment is valuable on diagnosing left ventricular global systolic function reduction in AMI patients with preserved LVEF.

453 An unexpected finding in an asymptomatic patient planned for non-cardiac surgery

Abstract Aims Left ventricular (LV) aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are two complications of myocardial infarction, either symptomatic or silent, leading to death or serious morbidity in several cases and often precluding non-cardiac surgery. Here the differential diagnosis is challenging and multimodality imaging is often needed to assess the risk of heart rupture. Methods and results A 71 years-old woman was referred to our Cardiology Department for a preoperative evaluation before lung lobectomy. Her past medical history included multiple cardiovascular risk factors and abdominal aorta aneurysm. She also had severe peripheral arterial disease treated with femoral popliteal bypass surgery in June 2021. In August 2021 she suffered from vascular graft thrombosis requiring a redo surgery. During hospitalization, she was found to have a lung adenocarcinoma. The patient had an unremarkable cardiological history and was asymptomatic. EKG was unremarkable. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mildly impaired LV systolic function (EF = 40%), an inferolateral basal wall akinesia and a huge aneurysm with intracavitary thrombus and a wide neck arising right below the posterior mitral annulus. The annular distortion caused by the expanding aneurysm contributed to the development of mitral regurgitation (MR) by displacing the annulus and subvalvular apparatus, resulting in restriction of the posterior mitral valve leaflet, coaptation failure, and moderate MR. Coronary angiography demonstrated a severe 3-vessel coronary artery disease. To further characterize the aneurysm, a cardiac magnetic resonance was carried out. T1 weighted inversion recovery LGE 2-chamber and short axis views showed transmural LGE of the inferior wall and confirmed the presence of a saccular dilatation with thin wall, wide neck (5 × 6 cm) and large intracavitary thrombus at high risk of rupture. Since the presence of metastatic lesions was excluded, the patient underwent cardiac surgery followed by elective lobectomy. Intraoperative findings were consistent with LV aneurysm with a thin myocardial wall. Aneurysm and related thrombus were removed and the orifice was closed with a Dacron patch. In the same setting a myocardial revascularization with two coronary artery bypass grafts was also performed. Surgery was successfully performed without any complication. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography clearly revealed the aneurysm and witnessed the reduction of MR after the restoration of LV inferolateral wall geometry. Conclusions Our case highlights the importance of thorough evaluation prior to non-cardiac surgery using multimodality imaging, especially when incidental echocardiographic findings in asymptomatic patients occur. A careful pre-operative assessment of patients planned for non-cardiac surgery is the key to favourable postoperative outcome.

Outcomes of combined aortic and mitral valve replacement with reconstruction of the fibrous skeleton of the heart

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to examine operative and long-term results of combined aortic and mitral valve replacement when reconstruction of the fibrous skeleton of the heart is needed because of calcification, abscess, previous operations, or patient-prosthesis mismatch. MethodsFrom 1985 to 2020, 182 consecutive patients underwent combined aortic and mitral valve replacement with reconstruction of the intervalvular fibrous skeleton in all cases and also the posterior mitral annulus in 63 patients. Bovine pericardium or Dacron grafts were used for the reconstructions. Median follow-up was 7.5 (interquartile range, 2.1-12.6) years and 98% complete. ResultsPatient mean age was 62 years; 69% had 1 or more previous valve operations, and 92% were functional class III or IV. The indications for reconstruction were extensive calcification of the fibrous skeleton in 34%, abscess in 13%, tissue damage secondary to previous operations in 39%, and patient-prosthesis mismatch of the mitral valve in 13%. Bovine pericardium was used in two-thirds of cases and Dacron grafts in one-third. Operative mortality was 13.2% and postoperative complications were common. Survival at 1, 10, and 20 years was 81.8%, 51.1%, and 23.7%, respectively. Fourteen patients required reoperation and 3 transcatheter interventions. The cumulative probability of reinterventions at 1, 10, and 20 years were 3.3%, 5.8%, and 9.1%, respectively. Most patients experienced symptomatic improvement postoperatively. ConclusionsReconstructions of the fibrous skeleton of the heart are associated with high operative mortality but the long-term results are satisfactory because most patients would not have survived without surgical intervention.

Morphology of Mitral Annular Disjunction in Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is an abnormal insertion of the hinge line of the posterior mitral leaflet on the atrial wall: the mitral annulus shows a separation or "disjunction" between the leaflet-atrial wall junction and the crest of the left ventricle myocardium. This anomaly is often observed in patients with myxomatous mitral valve prolapse. The anatomical substrate of MAD remains unclear for the following reasons: (1) most studies are focused on the association between MAD and arrhythmias, rather than on pathomorphological aspects of MAD; and (2) the complex anatomic architecture of the posterior mitral annulus is often simply described as the posterior segment of a fibrous ring. The aims of this paper are to review the pertinent normal anatomy of the mitral valve and to propose new hypotheses on the morphological nature of MAD.

Assessment of Arterial Stiffness with Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Patients with Mitral Annular Calcification.

Arterial stiffness is related to arteriolosclerotic diseases and is a marker of adverse cardiovascular events. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is progressive calcium deposition on the posterior and inferior mitral annulus and is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a measurement technique used to estimate the degree of arterial stiffness without effect from blood pressure. The aim of this study is to research arterial stiffness using CAVI in patients with MAC. The study was cross-sectional and observational and included 98 patients with MAC confirmed by echocardiography who referred to the cardiology clinics and met study inclusion criteria and 38 controls without MAC. CAVI measurements were obtained by using the Vascular Screening System VaSera VS-1000 (Fukuda Denshi, Tokyo, Japan) device. The two groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics, including age, sex, hypertension, coronary artery disease, body surface area, and smoking (P > .05). Left atrial volume index was significantly higher in patients with MAC compared with the control group (P < .001). Right arm CAVI, left arm CAVI, and mean CAVI were significantly higher in the MAC group than the control group (P = .037, P = .005, and P = .014, respectively) and increased with MAC severity. There was a significant positive correlation between mean CAVI and MAC grade (r = 0.278, P = .001). Also, when ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured with CAVI, left and right extremity ABI values were significantly lower in patients with MAC (P = .017 and P = .005, respectively). CAVI increased in all patients with MAC and associated with increasing grade of calcification.

Ruptured left ventricular subvalvar mitral aneurysm into the left atrium and left ventricle to left atrium fistula: case report of two pathological entities

Subvalvar mitral aneurysm is a rare entity that mostly occurs in the African population. We present a case of a 23-year-old male patient who presented with shortness of breath and atypical chest pain. On preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, a subvalvar mitral aneurysm was noted with severe regurgitation from the aneurysm opening into the left atrium. The surgical findings revealed a single aneurysm neck present in the posterior mitral valve annulus. In addition to and separate from the aneurysm, a left ventricular to left atrial fistula was present.