Preoperative Mitral Regurgitation Research Articles

Mitral regurgitation mechanisms related to systolic anterior motion in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve can result in mitral regurgitation (MR) and adverse outcomes in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, the mechanism and characteristics of MR severity mediated by SAM are unresolved. This study aimed to elucidate the anatomic and hemodynamic associations of MR and the impact of septal myectomy on changes in MR severity in patients with HCM. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent septal myectomy with SAM and interpretable imaging between 2017-2022. Significant MR was defined as moderate or more MR. The mitral valve, papillary muscle, and left ventricular geometry were quantitatively evaluated via echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography. Out of 34 patients, two groups were identified: those with preoperative significant MR (n=16) and those without significant MR (n=18). Patients with significant preoperative MR exhibited worse heart failure symptoms at baseline than those without. Following myectomy, these patients showed higher residual left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradients at rest and with provocative measures than those without preoperative MR. Multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant association between the tenting area and MR severity. Additionally, the chordal cutting procedure alleviated the tenting area [2.1 (1.8-2.6) vs. 1.4 (1.2-1.6) cm2] compared to those without it. Our preliminary data suggested that chordal cutting with septal myectomy was associated with an improvement in the tenting area, contributing to MR severity. This procedure may serve as an effective therapy for patients with SAM and significant MR.

Health status analysis is comparable in HM3 patients with different preoperative grades of mitral regurgitation

BackgroundThe guidelines for mechanical circulatory support of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation do not recommend the routine replacement or repair of the mitral valve at the time point of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We investigated different parameters of health status including exercise capacity, anxiety and depression after LVAD implantation in patients with different preoperative grades of mitral regurgitation (MR).MethodsA single-center analysis of health status was performed including 45 patients with HeartMate 3 (HM 3) implantation using the 12-items Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) questionnaires. The study groups were classified according to echocardiographically defined preoperative grade of MR. The group without severe MR comprised 33 patients; the group with severe MR comprised 12 patients.ResultsDemographic and preclinical characteristics as well as LVAD complications such as thrombosis and bleeding events were comparable between LVAD patients with severe and not severe MR (p > 0.05). Severe MR resolved in all patients after LVAD implantation and improved to moderate, mild or no MR in both groups in a period ranging from 6 months until 2 years. The analyses of SF-12 questionnaire revealed that the physical (p = 0.44) and mental health (p = 0.64) was comparable. The grade of anxiety (p = 0.34) and depression (p = 0.44) was comparable between the groups. Exercise capacity measured by the 6 min walk test correlated positively with the SF-12-determined physical health (p < 0.01, r = 0.518) and negatively with the HADS anxiety (p = 0.01, r = −0.399) and depression (p < 0.01, r = −0.570) scores.ConclusionsOur data showed that the health status is comparable in HM 3 patients with different preoperative MR severities in the post-LVAD period. Preoperative severe MR resolves in the majority of patients early after LVAD implantation and is not associated with concomitant mitral valve repair or replacement at the time of LVAD implantation.

Secondary tricuspid valve regurgitation after isolated aortic valve replacement: outcomes and predictors.

We sought to assess the evolution of secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) and its impact on mortality and to identify possible clinical and echocardiographic predictors of persisting and new-onset TR (TR de novo) after isolated AVR. Clinical and echocardiographic data of 441 patients, consecutively operated for isolated AVR between January 2017 and January 2020, were retrospectively collected. Four time points were included: preoperative, discharge, 3-6 months and last available follow-up. We followed patients with at least moderate TR (TR ≥2) over time and monitored the impact on survival. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible predictors of persistent TR and TR de novo. Median follow-up was 33 months. Incidence of TR ≥2 changed over the time points. Twenty-three percent of patients with preoperative TR ≥2 had persistent TR at 3-6 months follow-up, and this phenomenon was predicted by age at regression analysis. Preoperative TR ≥2 was associated with a 3-fold higher risk to die. At 3- to 6-month follow-up, 12% of patients developed TR de novo. At least moderate preoperative mitral regurgitation (≥2) was predictive of TR de novo. Patients with TR ≥2 undergoing isolated AVR had worse long-term survival, and this was particularly evident in the elderly. Older patients were also more prone to have persistent TR after AVR. Some patients developed TR de novo after isolated AVR, but this did not affect survival.

Difference in left ventricular reverse remodelling after mitral valve surgery between mitral valve prolapse subtypes: barlows disease versus fibroelastic deficiency

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Surgical correction of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) can reverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), however it is currently unknown whether this process is similar in Barlow’s Disease (BD) and Fibroelastic Deficiency (FED). Particularly the recently suggested concomitant cardiomyopathy in BD could affect LV (reverse) remodelling beyond volume overload. Purpose Evaluate LV reverse remodelling after mitral valve surgery in patients with BD versus FED. Methods Retrospective analysis of all MVP patients with severe MR who underwent mitral valve surgery at a single tertiary center. We assessed MR severity, LV volumes and systolic/diastolic function by transthoracic echocardiography before surgery and 6 months post-operative. Results A total of 55 MVP patients with BD (n=24) or FED (n=31) were enrolled between January 2013 and July 2022. Both BD and FED showed a male predominance (58.3% and 80.6% respectively, p = 0.071) and patients with BD were generally younger (52 ± 13 vs. 63 ± 12 years old; p = 0.005). Baseline LV end-diastolic (LVEDV), end-systolic volumes (LVESV) and LVEF were similar between BD and FED. In addition, pre-operative MR severity (evaluated by a multi-integrative approach) was not significantly different between both groups. However, patients with BD presented with a larger prolapse volume (12.2 ± 8.2 ml versus 5.8 ± 4.7 ml; p = 0.004) and larger mitral annulus diameter (37 ± 6 mm versus 33 ± 5 mm; p = 0.016) compared to FED. Overall, mitral valve repair with annuloplasty, neochord and/or triangular/quadrangular resection were the most frequent surgical interventions. Mitral valve replacement was performed in selected patients when valve repair was not feasible, mainly in BD (45.8% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.035). After a median follow-up period of 281 days, residual MR (≥grade 2) was present in 16.1% of patients with FED versus 8.3% with BD (p = 0.390). LV reverse remodelling was present in both groups, with a similar decrease in LVEDV (19.2 ± 18.8 ml/m2 in BD versus 24.4 ± 20.0 ml/m2 in FED; p = 0.337). Interestingly, the less load-dependent LVESV showed a trend towards less reverse remodelling in BD (3.4 ± 11.0 ml/m2 versus 7.5 ± 9.0 ml/m2; p = 0.138), which resulted in a significantly lower LVEF in BD versus FED (51.7 ± 7.6% versus 56.3 ± 6.1%; p = 0.016). Of note, LVEF at follow-up was independent of sex, comorbidities, baseline LV volumes and type of surgical intervention. Conclusions While patients with BD and FED showed similar MR severity, LV volumes and LVEF at baseline, post-operative LVEF was significantly lower in patients with BD. These findings suggest that LV (reverse) remodelling in BD could be affected by other mechanisms beyond volume overload, like a concomitant cardiomyopathy.

Prognostic value of mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device deployment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) represent an important therapeutic option for patients progressing to end-stage heart failure. LVAD has previously been shown to have a promising role in improving mitral regurgitation (MR). Nevertheless, the prognostic value of preoperative uncorrected MR in this population remains unclear. A systematic database search with meta-analysis was conducted of comparative original articles of patients with preoperative mild MR (Grade 0-I) versus moderate-severe MR (Grade II-III) undergoing LVAD implantation, in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar, from inception to June 2022. Primary outcomes were overall and operative mortality. Secondary outcomes were neurological dysfunction, gastrointestinal bleeding, right heart failure, LVAD thrombosis, and driveline infection. Our search yielded 2228 relevant studies. A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 11 873 patients. LVAD caused a statistically significant decrease of 35.9% in the number of patients with moderate-severe MR (grade II-III) postoperatively. No significant difference was observed in terms of overall mortality, operative mortality, GI bleeding, LVAD thrombosis, and driveline infection rates between mild and moderate-severe MR. An increased rate of right heart failure was seen among patients with moderate-severe MR, while lower rates of neurological events were also observed. LVAD improves the haemodynamics of the left ventricle, to promote resolution of MR. Nevertheless, the severity of preoperative mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing LVAD deployment does not seem to affect mortality.

Congenital Mitral Regurgitation Repair Based on Carpentier's Classification: Long-Term Outcomes.

There are few reports of the outcomes of standardized surgical management addressing the etiologic and morphologic aspects of mitral valve malformation according to Carpentier's classification. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of mitral valve repair in children according to Carpentier's classification. Patients who underwent mitral valve repair at our institution between 2000 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative data, surgical techniques, and outcomes were analyzed according to Carpentier's classification. The proportion of patients free of mitral valve replacement and reoperation was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Twenty-three patients (median operative age, four months) were followed up for 10 (range, 2-21) years. Preoperative mitral regurgitation was severe in 12 patients and moderate in 11 patients. Eight, five, seven, and three patients had Carpentier's type 1, 2, 3, and 4 lesions, respectively. Ventricular septal defect (N = 9) and double outlet of the great arteries from the right ventricle (N = 3) were the most commonly associated cardiac malformations. There were no cases of operative mortality or deaths during the follow-up. The overall five-year rate of freedom from mitral valve replacement was 91%, whereas the five-year rates of freedom from reoperation were 74%, 80%, 71%, and 67% in type 1, 2, 3, and 4 lesions, respectively. Postoperative mitral regurgitation at the last follow-up was moderate in three patients and less than mild in 20 patients. Current surgical management of congenital mitral regurgitation is generally considered adequate; however, more complicated cases required a combination of various surgical techniques.

Concomitant Mitral Valve Repair vs Replacement During Surgical Ventricular Restoration for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

There is no consensus regarding mitral valve management during surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) for ischemic cardiomyopathy. We compared the impact of SVR with mitral valve repair (MVr) vs replacement (MVR) on postoperative outcomes and long-term survival in ischemic cardiomyopathy and mitral regurgitation patients. This study included 112 patients who underwent SVR from 2009 to 2018 with MVr (n = 75) or MVR (n = 37). Patients who had MVR had higher Euro SCORE II, dyspnea class, a lower ejection fraction, higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure, higher grade of preoperative mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and higher end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters. Intra-aortic balloon pump was more commonly used in patients with MVR. Hospital mortality occurred in 7 (9.33%) patients in the MVr group vs 3 (8.11%) in the MVR group (P > .99). Freedom from rehospitalization at 1, 5, and 7 years was 87%, 76%, and 70% in the MVr group and 83%, 61%, and 52% in the MVR group (P = .191). Survival at 1, 5, and 7 years was 88%, 78%, and 74% in the MVr group and 88%, 56%, and 56% in the MVR group (P = .027). Adjusted survival did not differ between groups.MVr or MVR are valid options in patients undergoing SVR, with good long-term outcomes.

Impact of concomitant mitral regurgitation during transcatheter aortic valve replacement on 1-year survival outcomes

BackgroundWe investigated the influence of concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation on the 1-year outcome using Japan Transcatheter Valve Therapy (J-TVT) registry data. MethodsThe patients who underwent the transcatheter aortic valve implantation for aortic stenosis performed from August 2013 to December 2019 in Japan were included. History of previous valve surgery and dialysis patients were excluded. A total of 24,979 patients were included, and 1-year follow-up data were obtained from the registry (follow-up rate 98.5 %). Propensity-score matching, using multivariable logistic regression and 1:1 matching without replacement, was performed between the patients with grade 3–4 MR (MR 3–4 group) and those with grade 0–2 MR (MR 0–2 group). All-cause death and the composite outcome of death and/or heart failure events were compared. ResultsAfter propensity score matching, 3920 cases (1960 cases each in MR 0–2 group and MR 3–4 group) were extracted. The procedure success rate was 96.4 % in MR 0–2 and 96.0 % in MR 3–4 group (p = 0.56) and the surgical conversion rate was 0.7 % in MR 0–2 group and 0.8 % in MR 3–4 group (p = 0.58). Cox regression model showed no statistical difference in 1-year survival rate between MR 0–2 group (89.4 %) and MR 3–4 group (89.6 %) (p = 0.80). However, freedom from 1-year death and/or heart failure event was lower in MR 3–4 (86.3 %) than in MR 0–2 group (88.9 %) (p = 0.01). This trend was also found in the subgroup of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 1–2 but not in the subgroup of NYHA class 3–4. ConclusionsOne-year survival rate was not different between groups but freedom from death and/or heart failure events was lower in patients with preoperative MR grade 3–4 than in patients with preoperative MR grade 0–2 after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Impact of preoperative mitral regurgitation on left ventricular assist device patients: propensity score-matched analysis of the EUROMACS dataset.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequently observed in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation. We investigated the impact of preoperative MR on left ventricular assist device patients. A retrospective propensity score-matched analysis of adult patients enrolled in the EUROMACS registry between 1 January 2011 and 30 November 2021 was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the grade of preoperative MR: none-to-mild (MR 0-II) or moderate-to-severe (MR III-IV). Following 1:1 propensity score matching, each group consisted of 914 patients. Incidence of postoperative temporary right ventricular support, reoperation for bleeding and dialysis was similar. MR III-IV demonstrated shorter median intensive care unit stay [14 days (6; 27.8) vs 10 days (5; 22), P = 0.004] and ventilation time [72 h (22, 320) vs 31 h (18, 150), P < 0.001]. Mortality was lower for MR III-IV patients [subdistribution hazard ratio: 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59-0.73, P < 0.001]. The 1-year survival was 68.1% (95% CI: 65.1-71.3%) in MR 0-II and 75% (95% CI: 72.1-78%) in MR III-IV. A lower incidence of total complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.93 (0.89-0.98), P = 0.003] and trend towards a lower risk of neurological dysfunction (subdistribution hazard ratio: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.61-1.01, P = 0.063) and sustained ventricular tachycardia [OR: 0.93 (0.54-1.03), P = 0.074] were demonstrated for MR III-IV. The risk of fatal stroke and pump thrombosis was similar. Moderate-to-severe MR in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation is associated with better mid-term survival and lower incidence of total major adverse events and complications. The incidence of severe postoperative complications including fatal stroke and device thrombosis was similar.

Long-term Outcomes of Children Operated on for Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From the Pulmonary Artery

BackgroundWe examined the outcomes of children (<18 years) operated on for anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). MethodsWe linked patients undergoing ALCAPA repair between 1982 and 2003 in the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium with the National Death Index and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to examine their outcomes through 2019. ResultsWe identified 228 children (median age, 6.0 months) operated on for ALCAPA. At the time of repair, 38.6% had severe mitral regurgitation (MR), and 71.4% had severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Repair included primarily coronary reimplantation in 173 and the Takeuchi procedure in 34; concurrently, 18 underwent mitral valve (MV) operation. In-hospital death occurred in 31 (13.6%) and was not associated with MR severity (P = .846); however, among patients with moderate or severe MR, risk of death was 28% lower when undergoing MV operation (P = .033). After adjustment for other risk factors, only infant operation reached statistical significance for in-hospital death (adjusted odds ratio, 12.99; 95% CI, 1.61-104.59; P = .016). Among those discharged alive with long-term data available (n = 155), the 30-year transplant-free survival reached 95.5% (95% CI, 92.3%-98.8%) and was not associated with the degree of preoperative MR or LV dysfunction. Coronary reimplantation was associated with better long-term survival compared with other surgical techniques (adjusted odds ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.74; P = .023). ConclusionsFavorable long-term outcomes can be expected after coronary artery reimplantation for ALCAPA, even in patients with severe LV dysfunction at presentation. MV operation predicted decreased risk for in-hospital mortality in patients with moderate/severe MR, but MR severity predicted neither in-hospital nor longer-term outcomes.

Mid-term Outcome of the Edge-To-Edge Mitral Valve Repair Via Aortic Outflow Tract in High-Risk Patients

The edge-to-edge mitral valve repair technique, invented by Alfieri and colleagues, introduced valve repair as a treatment option for patients with complex diseases where standard annuloplasty and related repair techniques are insufficient, due to annular calcification and patient frailty. We retrospectively evaluated the results of a transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (Alfieri stitch) in high-risk patients who were undergoing aortic valve replacement. From February, 2012 to December, 2017, 43 patients underwent transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with concomitant aortic valve replacement at a single institution. Preoperative and postoperative echocardiograms were compared. Home telephone follow up was conducted and postoperative morbidity was examined, including the need for reoperation, stroke and cardiac arrhythmia. 30-day and long-term survival rates were also determined. Mitral regurgitation (MR) was graded semi-quantitatively as 0 (trace and/or none), mild (1), moderate (2) or moderate to severe (3-4). The patients were 74 ± 7.8 years old. 65% of the patients were male. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 115 ± 37 minutes and mean cross-clamp time was 71 ± 23 minutes. There was a significant improvement in preoperative vs postoperative median MR grade (2 (IQR 2-3) vs 0 (IQR 0-1); P = 0.05). Follow-up transthoracic echocardiograms in 29 patients obtained at a median of 9 months' (range 3 - 19 months') and in 16 patients at a median of 34 months' postoperatively (range 21 - 53 months') showed mild (1 (IQR 1-2)) grade of mitral regurgitation. 30-day survival was 98%. Long term survival at 12 and 24 months' were 88% and 81% respectively. Mitral valve reoperation was conducted in 1 patient (2%), who was suffering of endocarditis. Stroke occurred in 2 patients (7%). Cardiac arrhythmia was observed in 15 patients (35%). 8 patients (19%) suffered from atrial fibrillation and 7 patients (16%) displayed atrioventricular blockage. 10 patients (23%) could be treated conservatively and 5 patients (12%) needed implantation of a pacemaker. Transaortic edge-to-edge mitral valve repair can be safely performed during aortic valve replacement in high-risk patients and improves even long-term MR grade. Postoperative cardiac arrhythmia occurs frequently. 66% of them could be treated successfully by conservative procedures.

Mitral Valve Cleft-like Indentations in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: Insights From Intraoperative Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

Cleft-like indentations (CLIs) of the mitral valve (MV) are best assessed with three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The present study examined the prevalence, characteristics, and surgical effect of MV CLIs in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Prospective, observational, case-control study. Tertiary medical center. The study comprised 90 patients with HCM undergoing myectomy and 59 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for non-MV related indications. Intraoperative 3D TEE was used to evaluate the presence and characteristics of MV CLIs compared, with a random control group of 59 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for non-MV related indications. Ninety patients with HCM (mean age 54.8 ± 13.3 y, 67.8% male) were compared with 59 control patients (mean age 67 ± 12.7 y, 79.7% male). Three-dimensional TEE images were interpreted by consensus of two experienced echocardiographers. At least one MV CLI was present in 84 patients with HCM (93.3%), compared with 23 control patients (39%; p < 0.01). Compared with control patients, patients with HCM were more likely to have deep MV CLIs (85.6% v 25.4%; p < 0.01) and ≥2 CLIs (52.2% v 26.1%; p=0.02). Six HCM patients (7%) appeared to have true congenital posterior leaflet clefts versus 0% in control patients (p=0.08). Preoperative mitral regurgitation severity and jet direction were not associated with the presence of deep or multiple MV CLIs (all p > 0.2). None of the MV CLIs in the HCM group required MV surgical intervention or second pump runs for MV regurgitation correction after myectomy. Deep and multiple MV CLIs are common in patients with HCM undergoing septal myectomy, including possible true posterior clefts, but they are not associated with the premyectomy severity of mitral regurgitation or jet direction, and do not result in surgical MV intervention.

Factors associated with mortality or transplantation versus Fontan completion after cavopulmonary shunt for patients with tricuspid atresia

ObjectiveTricuspid atresia with normally related great vessels (TA) is considered the optimal substrate for the Fontan pathway. The factors associated with death or transplantation after cavopulmonary shunt (CPS) are underappreciated. We aimed to determine factors associated with CPS–Fontan interstage death/transplantation versus transition to Fontan in TA. MethodsA total of 417 infants younger than 3 months of age with TA were enrolled (January 1999 to February 2020) from 40 institutions into the Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society TA cohort. Parametric competing risk methodology was used to determine factors associated with the competing end points of death/transplantation without Fontan completion, and transition to Fontan. ResultsCPS was performed in 382 patients with TA; of those, 5% died or underwent transplantation without transition to Fontan and 91% transitioned to Fontan by 5 years after CPS. Prenatal diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; P < .001) and pulmonary artery band (PAB) at CPS (HR, 0.50; P < .001) were negatively associated with Fontan completion. Preoperative moderate or greater mitral valve regurgitation (HR, 3.0; P < .001), concomitant mitral valve repair (HR, 11.0; P < .001), PAB at CPS (HR, 3.0; P < .001), postoperative superior vena cava interventions (HR, 9.0; P < .001), and CPS takedown (HR, 40.0; P < .001) were associated with death/transplantation. ConclusionsThe mortality rate after CPS in patients with TA is notable. Those with preoperative mitral valve regurgitation remain a high-risk group. PAB at the time of CPS being associated with both increased risk of death and decreased Fontan completion may represent a deleterious effect of antegrade pulmonary blood flow in the CPS circulation.

Risk Factors for Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Surgical Management of Cardiac Fibroma.

Surgical resection of cardiac fibromas in children reduces hemodynamic and arrhythmia burden; however, little is known about postoperative left ventricular (LV) function. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with postoperative LV dysfunction. In this retrospective observational cohort study, imaging data were reviewed from 41 patients who had undergone surgical resection of a cardiac fibroma. Tumor volume was indexed to body surface area (tumor volume index). Right ventricular tumors were excluded from analysis of postoperative ventricular function. Postoperative regional wall motion abnormality score was defined as number of wall segments with regional wall motion abnormality, and LV dysfunction was defined as LV ejection fraction <50%. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived strain was low if <5%ile by previously published normative data. Of 41 patients who underwent resection at a median age of 2.1 years (range, 0.5-19), 37 fibromas were in the LV, (29 free wall and 8 septal), and 4 in the right ventricle. Preoperative median tumor volume index was 66 mL/m2 (range, 11-376). Of 37 patients with LV tumors, younger patients had larger tumor volume index and higher grades of preoperative mitral regurgitation (P<0.001). Larger tumor volume index correlated with higher postoperative regional wall motion abnormality score (P<0.001). By paired pre- and post-operative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (n=14), LV end-diastolic volume increased (mean 76 versus 101 mL/m2, P=0.011), with decreased LV ejection fraction (mean 60% versus 55%, P=0.014), a higher prevalence of low global circumferential strain (36% versus 64%, P=0.045), and decreased cardiac index (mean 4.8 versus 3.9 L/[min·m2], P=0.039). More than mild preoperative mitral regurgitation was the only independent predictor of predischarge LV dysfunction (odds ratio, 22 [95% CI, 2.8-179], P=0.008). Surgical resection of LV fibroma is associated with regional wall motion abnormality, increased LV volume, and reduced systolic function. Children with significant preoperative mitral regurgitation are at highest risk for LV dysfunction and warrant ongoing close surveillance.

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery repair outcomes: Preoperative mitral regurgitation persists in the follow-up.

This study aims to present the midterm outcomes of surgical correction of the anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) with a focus on mitral regurgitation (MR). Medical records of 36 ALCAPA patients who underwent surgery in a single center were retrospectively reviewed. There were one (2.7%) neonate, 19 (52.7%) infants, 15 (41.6%) children, and 1 (2.7%) adult patient operated. Coronary reimplantation, tube reconstruction, and coronary artery bypass surgery techniques were performed in 29 (80.5%), 6 (16.6%), and 1 (2.7%) patient, respectively. Sixteen (44.4%) patients had a low ejection fraction and 13 (36.1%) patients had at least moderate MR preoperatively. None of our patients underwent a concomitant mitral surgery during the initial repair. Three and two patients died in the early and late postoperative period, respectively. Two patients underwent reoperation due to MR and pulmonary stenosis, separately. Preoperative MR was the only factor associated with at least moderate MR at the final follow-up (p < .01) and the presence of preoperative moderate or over-moderate MR estimated at least moderate MR at the final follow-up with 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Although the mitral valve was not repaired in the first operation, the reoperation rate is low. However, a moderate or higher preoperative MR predicted MR at the last follow-up. Performing annuloplasty in such patients can be a strategy to be researched.

Inflow Cannula Position Influences Improvement in Mitral Regurgitation After Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Significant residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The effect of cannula position on improvement of preexisting MR has yet to be evaluated. Consecutive patients who underwent centrifugal LVAD implantation with >mild preoperative MR and without concomitant mitral repair were reviewed. Left ventricular assist device position was determined by the angle between actual and ideal inflow cannula on computed tomography. The magnitudes of angles (anterior and lateral angle) were added to form an LVAD position assessment (LVADpa). Mitral regurgitation was numerically classified, and improvement in MR was determined by difference in MR preoperatively to MR >1 month postoperatively with a median of 162 (interquartile range: 78-218) days. The primary analysis examined the relationship between LVADpa and postoperative MR. Forty-one patients were identified with >mild preoperative functional MR. Mean age was 51 ± 13 years with an ejection fraction of 16 ± 4%. Overall, MR improved from moderate-severe preoperatively to mild postoperatively (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, higher LVADpa deviation was associated with greater postoperative MR (odds ratio [OR] = 2.29, p = 0.005) and higher 1-month pulsatility index was associated with lower postoperative MR (OR = 0.47, p = 0.011). Inflow cannula position during centrifugal LVAD implantation is an important determinant of postoperative MR.

Mild Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Is Revascularization Enough for Every Patient?

The progress of mild ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) after isolated coronary artery bypass is not clear. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients with mild ischemic MR undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) presenting with regression of or persistent MR one year after CABG and to identify the significantly different echocardiographic variables between regressing and persistent MR. Sixty-three patients with preoperative mild ischemic MR were categorized into an MR- regression or an MR-persistence group one year after isolated CABG. The echocardiographic indices, indicating mitral leaflet configuration and remodeling of the left ventricle (LV), were measured before and one year after the surgery. One year after CABG, MR regressed in 60% (38/63) and persisted in 40% (25/63) of the patients. The left ventricular diameter, volume, and sphericity and anteroposterior diameter of the mitral annulus improved only in the MR-regression group, while the ejection fraction improved in both groups (47.7% ± 12.4% from 40.1% ± 11.3%, P < .001 in the regression group and 43.2% ± 14.0% from 39.3% ± 11.6%, P = .035 in the persistence group). A >15% decrease in the LV end-systolic volume was noted more frequently in the MR-regression group (60.5% versus 30%, P = .027). The leaflet angle did not show asymmetry or significant changes in both groups. Isolated CABG improved mild MR in most patients with mild ischemic MR. These patients showed greater reverse remodeling after revascularization than the patients with persistent MR after isolated CABG. Additional tests, which can predict LV reverse remodeling, are needed to predict persistent MR.

Higher preoperative left atrial volume index predicts lack of mitral regurgitation improvement after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation is present in 20-35% of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the current literature lacks simple echocardiographic parameters, which can predict post-TAVR changes in mitral regurgitation. The aim of this study is to investigate the echocardiographic predictors of improvement or worsening of mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing TAVR with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation. This retrospective study included 113 patients who underwent TAVR with preoperative mitral regurgitation grade at least 2. Patients with concomitant coronary artery disease requiring treatment were excluded. Mitral regurgitation was related to the annular dilatation or tethering mechanism in all patients. Preoperative and postoperative echocardiographies were compared in terms of mitral regurgitation and other commonly measured parameters. After TAVR, a reduction in mitral regurgitation was observed in 62.8% of cases. On the basis of the difference between postoperative and preoperative echocardiograms, 71 patients had improved mitral regurgitation, whereas 42 patients had stable or worsened mitral regurgitation. After analyzing preoperative echocardiographic parameters with regard to this group difference, left atrial volume index (LAVI) was the only variable that was different between groups (33.4 ± 4.8 ml/m in improved mitral regurgitation vs. 39.8 ± 3.0 ml/m in not improved mitral regurgitation, P < 0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, a LAVI increase was associated with lack of an acute reduction in mitral regurgitation (odds ratio = 1.41, P < 0.001) after adjustment for age and preoperative serum creatinine. Higher preoperative LAVI is a determinant predictor of lack of an acute reduction in mitral regurgitation after TAVR, and LAVI could be used as a stratifying tool to tailor the treatment strategy and the timing of the procedures. However, validation of these results and long-term outcomes are warranted to support those conclusions.

Echocardiographic Outcomes Following Left Ventricular Assist Device or Mitral Valve Repair in Severe Left Ventricular Dilatation with Mitral Regurgitation

Purpose Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (LV) and options for repairing the valve have yielded conflicting results. We compared one-year echocardiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with grade 3-4MR and severe LV dilatation (end-diastolic dimension [LVEDD] above 65mm) undergoing either left ventricular assist device (LVAD) insertion alone or mitral valve repair (surgical minimally invasive repair or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair). Methods This is a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with grade 3-4MR and severe LV dilatation who underwent either LVAD or MVR between 2008-2018. Baseline and post-operative transthoracic echocardiograms were analysed for LV-ejection fraction (EF), LV EDD and MR. Functional class, re-hospitalisation, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality was obtained. Results Fifty-two patients (27 LVAD; 25 MVR; 44 men) with grade 3-4MR and pre-existing LV systolic dysfunction (47 [90%] NYHA class III-IV) underwent either LVAD or MVR. There was no significant between group difference in NYHA class, however LVAD patients were younger (49±14 vs 60±17years; P=0.01) with lower LVEF baseline (21±7% vs 29±12%, P=0.01). MVR patients had more severe pre-operative MR (P=0.01). Less than 2+ (mild-moderate) MR was achieved in 84% of LVAD patients with a reduction in LVEDD (Pre-76±7mm/68±8mm; Post- 69mm±11mm/62±12mm; P=0.01). Less than 2+ MR was achieved in 77% of MVR patients with a corresponding reduction in LVEDD (Pre- 71±7mm/53±12mm; Post- 68mm±8mm/51±11mm;P=0.01). 82% of LVAD patients (P=0.01) and 100% of MVR patients (P=0.01) reported mild or no symptoms at 12-month follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups in re-hospitalisation rates, and all cause cardiovascular morbidity and mortality at one year (P=0.29). Conclusion Patients undergoing isolated LVAD insertion have an improvement in MR severity comparable to patients with end-stage MR undergoing MVR. Unloading of the LV by LVAD with consequent reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions is associated with a significant improvement in MR. This may explain the lack of additional benefit of MVR in LVAD patients shown in large registries.

Restrictive mitral valve annuloplasty for chronic ischaemic mitral regurgitation: outcomes of flexible versus semi-rigid rings.

Restrictive mitral annuloplasty is the mainstay of surgical correction of chronic ischaemic mitral regurgitation (CIMR). Long-term data on the various types of annuloplasty rings is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of restrictive mitral annuloplasty in patients with CIMR, comparing the use of flexible versus semi-rigid annuloplasty rings. A retrospective review was conducted for 133 patients with CIMR who underwent restrictive mitral annuloplasty at our institution between 1999 and 2015. Patient demographics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Mean age was 61.9±9.2 years and 103 patients (77.4%) were male. All patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, with a mean of 3.3±0.8 grafts. Flexible rings was implanted in 39 patients (29.3%, group F) and semi-rigid rings in 94 (70.7%, group R). Preoperative New York Heart Association class was III/IV in 104 patients (78.2%). Mean preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 28.8%±10.2%. Preoperative mitral regurgitation was moderate in 51 patients (38.3%) and severe in 82 (61.7%). In-hospital mortality occurred in 11 patients (8.3%). Overall survival at 1, 5 and 10 years were, respectively, 86.4%, 69.7% and 45.9%. At 10 years, overall survival (group F 53.1%, group R 40.0%, P=0.330) and freedom from moderate to severe MR (group F 53.1%, group R 53.8%, P=0.725) did not differ significantly. Freedom from hospitalization for heart failure was 59.3%. Left ventricular reverse remodelling, defined as a reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume index >15%, occurred more commonly in Group R (51.1%) compared to Group F (23.1%), P=0.003. Restrictive mitral annuloplasty was associated with an operative mortality of 8.3%. Heart failure symptoms and significant MR recur in approximately 40% of patients after 10 years. Survival remained suboptimal and was not influenced by the type of annuloplasty ring.