Severe Mitral Stenosis Research Articles

Frequency and Outcome of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Following Mitral Valve Replacement for Mitral Stenosis.

To determine the frequency and outcome of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in terms of in-hospital and 30-day mortality and morbidity after mitral valve replacement (MVR). Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Northwest General Hospital and Research Centre, Peshawar, Pakistan, from September 2017 to March 2023. A total of 186 patients between the ages of 20 and 70 years, who had severe mitral stenosis and normal sinus rhythm and underwent MVR surgery, were included in the study. The frequency of POAF within 7 days following surgery and outcomes in terms of in-hospital and 30-day mortality / morbidity were recorded. POAF occurred in 19.4% patients. Patients with POAF were predominantly male (p = 0.01), aged over 50 years (p = 0.002), diabetic (p = 0.02), hypertensive (p = 0.02), had impaired LV function (p <0.001), enlarged LA (p = 0.003), pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.009), previous PMBV (p <0.001), and previous infective endocarditis (p <0.001). In-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 7% and 8.6%, respectively. POAF patients had prolonged ICU stays (p <0.001), hospital stays (p = 0.04), and higher mortality rates (p <0.001). Persistent AF (22%) contributed to 30-day morbidity in the form of embolic stroke, limb ischaemia, and congestive heart failure. POAF commonly occurs following the MVR surgery and significantly impacts perioperative and 30-day morbidity and mortality. Postoperative atrial fibrillation, Mitral stenosis, Mitral valve replacement.

Multi-modality imaging to assess rheumatic mitral stenosis severity.

Multi-modality imaging is the recommended approach to assess the severity of valvular heart diseases. Rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS), however, has yet to benefit from this approach. The aim of this study is to assess the added value of cardiac MRI (CMR) and computed tomography (CT) calcium score in assessing severity of MS when compared to 3D echocardiography. Patients with MS in sinus rhythm were included. Both CMR and 3D echo assessments of the mitral valve were performed. Subsequently, three radiologists and three cardiologists independently measured mitral valve area (MVA). In addition, CT of the mitral valve was conducted. Mitral calcium score was calculated according the Agatston method. A total of 41 patients were included. CMR significantly overestimated MVA when compared to 3D echo MVA regardless of the investigator [F (1, 40) = 23.3, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.36]. The more severe the MS, the greater the overestimation by CMR compared to 3D echo. Regarding CT of the mitral valve, 25 (61%) patients had an undetectable calcium. There was no significant difference in CT calcium scores between severe and non-severe MS (74 ± 282 HU vs. 65 ± 210 HU, p = 0.9). MVA measurement by CMR is overestimated when compared to 3D echo. Additionally, mitral valve calcium score is not correlated to MS severity.

Progressive calcification of bioprosthetic mitral valve observed during pregnancy resulting from in vitro fertilization: a case report

BackgroundWomen with pre-existing cardiac conditions who undergo assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are believed to be at a heightened risk of cardiovascular events during both the treatment and pregnancy phases. An unresolved question within this context pertains to whether the ART procedure itself constitutes a risk factor for individuals with bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV). Additionally, there is ongoing controversy regarding whether pregnancies expedite the process of structural valve degeneration (SVD) in BHV. The purpose of this study is to present the developmental process of BHV calcification, which is considered the primary cause of SVD, during a pregnancy resulting from in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), an ART modality, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.Case presentationAt 7 + 3 weeks of gestation in a twin pregnancy resulting from IVF-ET, a 27-year-old woman with a bioprosthetic mitral valve manifesting severe mitral stenosis and moderate pulmonary arterial hypertension, was suspected of SVD. Despite undergoing fetal reduction, she experienced progressive calcification of the bioprosthetic valve, increasing pulmonary arterial pressure and ultimately deteriorated into heart failure. An elective cesarean section and redo valve replacement was subsequently administered to improve her cardiovascular condition. As a result, a healthy young boy was delivered and the dysfunctional BHV was replaced with a mechanical valve. She did not report any discomfort during the 3-month follow-up.ConclusionThe progressive calcification of the BHV was observed during IVF pregnancy, indicating a potential connection between fertility therapy, pregnancy and calcification of BHV. Pregnant women with pre-implanted BHV should be treated with caution, as any medical interventions during ART and pregnancy can have a significant impact on both maternal and fetal outcomes. Thus, involving a multidisciplinary team in decision-making early on, starting from the treatment of the original heart disease, throughout the entire process of ART and pregnancy, is crucial.

Influence of Right Atrial Pressure on the Prognosis of Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Undergoing Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) often complicates mitral stenosis (MS). The prognostic impact of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in MS patients remains unclear. Previous study has demonstrated the prognostic impact of right atrial pressure (RAP) in patients with primary PH. We aim to determine the prognostic impact of PVR and RAP in patients with rheumatic MS undergoing percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV). A total of 58 patients with symptomatic severe rheumatic MS who underwent PMBV between 2016 and 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: PVR ≤ 2WU (N = 26) and PVR > 2WU (N = 32). The composite endpoint included death, reintervention or persistent NYHA functional class III-IV during follow-up. The median age was 50 (42-60) years, with 82.8% being female. Median pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was 42 (35-50.5) mmHg. Patients with PVR ≤ 2WU had lower PASP on both echocardiogram and catheterization. The PMBV success rate was 75.9%. Multivariate analysis, adjusted for PVR, showed RAP as the only independent predictor of the composite endpoint (HR:1.507, 95% CI:1.015-2.237, p = 0.042). The optimal RAP cutoff was 9.5 mmHg (HR:3.481, 95% CI:1.041-11.641; p = 0.043). RAP was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with rheumatic MS undergoing PMBV, while PVR did not show prognostic significance. These findings suggest that the prognostic value of PVR may be lower than expected.

Immediate and short-term outcomes of percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy for severe mitral stenosis at a Resource Limited Setting, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundRheumatic heart disease is a common cause of mitral stenosis (MS) in developing nations. Percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy (PMBC) is the treatment of choice for patients with MS with favorable anatomy. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess immediate and short-term outcomes of percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy for symptomatic patients with rheumatic severe mitral stenosis. MethodsThe clinical records of patients who underwent Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Commissurotomy (PBMC) at Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Cardiac Center were reviewed. A retrospective observational study was conducted from February 01, 2018, to August 30, 2021. All eligible patients who underwent Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Commissurotomy during the study period at the cardiac center were included in this study. Ninety-one patients were enrolled in the study after excluding repeat procedures, those with incomplete data, and lost medical records. Data were collected through chart reviews using a structured questionnaire by trained physicians, with daily supervision by the investigators. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Associations were checked using a paired t-test and Fisher's Exact Test, with statistical significance set at a p-value of <0.05. ResultPercutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy was successful in 91.2 % of patients. Following the procedure, there was a significant increase in the mean mitral valve area from 0.799 cm2 to 1.674 cm2 and a reduction in the trans-mitral mean pressure gradient from 20 mmHg to 7.71 mmHg (P < 0.001). Atrial fibrillation and a high Wilkins score were identified as correlates of non-successful PMBC. A Wilkin's score of ≤8 and a post-procedure mitral valve area > 1.5 cm2 were associated with New York Heart Association functional class improvement three months after the procedure. ConclusionIn this study, percutaneous mitral balloon Commissurotomy (PMBC) demonstrated an excellent success rate. The majority of patients exhibited significant improvement in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class.

Bilateral Acute Limb Ischemia due to Severe Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis and Atrial Fibrillation with Neglected International Normalized Ratio Control

Bilateral Acute Limb Ischemia due to Severe Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis and Atrial Fibrillation with Neglected International Normalized Ratio Control

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation for combined aortic and mitral stenoses: Insights from the OCEAN-TAVI Registry.

Mitral stenosis (MS) occasionally coexists with aortic stenosis (AS). Limited data are available regarding the functional class and clinical outcomes of patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for combined AS and MS. This study compared the clinical outcomes in patients with and without MS who underwent TAVI for severe AS and assessed the impact of mitral annulus calcification (MAC) severity, transmitral gradient (TMG) and mitral valve area (MVA) on outcomes in patients with combined AS and MS. We investigated patients in the OCEAN-TAVI registry who underwent TAVI. MS was defined as an MVA≤1.5cm2 or TMG≥5mmHg. The composite of all-cause death and admission for heart failure was compared between patients with and without MS. The impact of MAC, TMG and MVA on outcomes was assessed in patients with combined AS and MS. We identified 106 patients with MS (MAC 84%; TMG 6.4±2.6mmHg; MVA 1.10±0.31cm2) and 6570 without MS as controls. The MS group was older (85±5 vs. 84±5years, P=0.033), more of women (85 vs. 67%, P<0.01), and had a higher risk of surgery (the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Mortality Score 8.7±5.1 vs. 7.6±5.9, P=0.047) than the controls. In the MS group, the New York Heart Association Functional Class was 3 or 4 in 56% of the patients at baseline and 6% at 1year after TAVI. Thirty-day mortality (2.8% vs. 1.3%, P=0.18) and early composite outcomes (17% vs. 15%, P=0.56) were comparable between patients with and without MS. During a median follow-up of 2.1years, the presence of MS was associated with a higher incidence of adverse events compared with controls (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-2.51, P<0.01), even on propensity score matched analysis (adjusted HR 1.91; 95% CI 1.14-3.22, P<0.01). Moderate or severe MAC contributed to increased risk of adverse events in patients with MS (adjusted HR 2.89; 95% CI 1.20-6.99, P=0.018), but TMG and MVA did not. In patients undergoing TAVI for severe AS, those with moderate or severe MS experienced worse outcomes after TAVI compared with those without MS. Patients with combined AS and MS sustained symptom improvement at 1-year post-TAVI. MAC severity was a useful predictor of adverse events compared with MS haemodynamics such as TMG and MVA in patients with combined AS and MS.

Impact of Procedural Success Definitions on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Treated With Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study.

It is uncertain which percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) success definitions should be used because there are no studies comparing the effects of these definitions on subsequent outcomes. We evaluated the association between 3 success definitions and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis who underwent PBMV. This multicenter retrospective study included patients with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis who underwent PBMV. Three definitions were used as follows: (A) post-PBMV mitral valve area (MVA) ≥1.5 cm2 or ≥50% increase in MVA with MR <3+; (B) post-PBMV MVA ≥1.5 cm2 and MR ≤2+; and (C) post-PBMV MVA ≥1.5 cm2 or ≥50% increase in MVA, with no more than 1-grade increment in MR. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between PBMV success and the composite of all-cause mortality, mitral surgery, and repeat PBMV. Successful PBMV, according to definitionsA, B, and C was associated with a lower risk of the composite outcomes (definitionA-hazard ratio [HR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.43-0.69], definitionB-HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.43-0.69], definitionC-HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.44-0.69]). Patients meeting all 3 success definitions had the lowest risk compared with those who did not meet any definition or met 1 or 2 definitions. All 3 success definitions had a prognostic impact on outcomes. Patients who achieved post-PBMV MVA ≥1.5 cm2, irrespective of the percentage increase in MVA, and MR ≤grade 2, with no more than a 1-grade increment in MR, had the most favorable outcomes.

Mid-term results of percutaneous transmitral commissurotomy (PTMC) in central iran

Objectives: Percutaneous Trans-Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC) is an effective non-surgical treatment in patients with severe rheumatic mitral valve stenosis. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term results of this procedure in central Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed on 101 patients with severe mitral valve stenosis who underwent successful PTMC from March 2011 to September 2018 in Afshar Hospital in Yazd. At follow-up, all patients underwent clinical examination, two-dimensional and color Doppler echocardiography, and events were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. Results: The mean age of the patients was 44.79± 11.72 years, and 83.3% were female. The mean follow-up time was 38.98 23.33 months (6-94 months).25.8% had AF rhythm, and 12% had previous PTMC or OMVC or CMVC. After percutaneous Trans-Mitral Commissurotomy, 97% of patients were in NYHA functional class I, II and the mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 0.92 ± 0.18 to 1.66± 0.29 cm2 (p&lt;0.0001). Pulmonary artery systolic pressure decreased from 46.96± 18.56 mmHg to 38.43±14.02 mmHg (p&lt;0.0001). The Mean mitral valve gradient decreased from 12.37± 3.99 mmHg to 4.79± 2.38 mmHg (p&lt;0.0001). Restenosis rate and severe mitral regurgitation resulting in mitral valve replacement (MVR) were 10.9% and 2%, respectively. Two patients died because of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). During the follow-up event, free survival was 82.2%. Multivariable analysis revealed that the predictors of shorter event-free survival were AF rhythm (HR; 4.5, 95%CI;1.59-12.9, P=0.005) and post PTMC higher NYHA functional class (HR;2.2, CI;1-4.8,p=0.049). Conclusions: Mid-term results of percutaneous transmitral commissurotomy (PTMC) in central Iran are the same as in other parts of the world. This procedure is an effective and low-risk treatment for severe mitral valve stenosis.

Isolated severe mitral stenosis as an uncommon manifestation of cardiac amyloidosis

Isolated severe mitral stenosis as an uncommon manifestation of cardiac amyloidosis

Incidence and predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis following percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty: a study from a tertiary center in Thailand

BackgroundRheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) remains a common and concerning health problem in Asia. Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) is the standard treatment for patients with symptomatic severe MS and favorable valve morphology. However, studies on the incidence and predictors of adverse cardiac outcomes following PBMV in Asia have been limited. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with rheumatic MS following PBMV.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with symptomatic severe MS who underwent successful PBMV between 2002 and 2020 at a tertiary academic institute in Thailand. Patients were followed up to assess adverse outcomes, defined as a composite of cardiac death, heart failure hospitalization, repeat PBMV, or mitral valve surgery. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of adverse outcomes. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 379 patients were included in the study (mean age 43 ± 11 years, 80% female). During a median follow-up of 5.9 years (IQR 1.7–11.7), 74 patients (19.5%) experienced adverse outcomes, with an annualized event rate of 2.7%. Multivariable analysis showed that age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.008–1.05, p = 0.006), significant tricuspid regurgitation (HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.33–3.56, p = 0.002), immediate post-PBMV mitral valve area (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25–0.64, p = 0.01), and immediate post-PBMV mitral regurgitation (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.18–3.07, p = 0.008) were independent predictors of adverse outcomes.ConclusionsIn patients with symptomatic severe rheumatic MS, the incidence of adverse outcomes following PBMV was 2.7% per year. Age, significant tricuspid regurgitation, immediate post-PBMV mitral valve area, and immediate post-PBMV mitral regurgitation were identified as independent predictors of these adverse outcomes.

Predictors and clinical outcomes of true mitral stenosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Predictors of true degenerative mitral stenosis (MS) in patients with aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the predictors and prognostic value of true degenerative MS in this population. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 760 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI. The mitral valve area (MVA) was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography, and mitral valve calcification was assessed using multi-detector computed tomography. MS was defined as an MVA of ≤2.0 cm², and true MS was defined as moderate or severe MS following TAVI. In our TAVI cohort, we identified 72 (9.5%) patients with degenerative MS. Among these, true MS was observed in 38 (52.7%) patients. Echocardiographic data showed that the true MS group had a significantly lower MVA and higher trans-mitral gradient. The severity of mitral annular calcification was not significantly different between the two groups; however, the true MS group had significantly more posterior mitral leaflet and anterior mitral leaflet (AML) calcification. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that AML calcification was the independent predictor of true MS [adjusted odds ratio, 9.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.84-29.9]. True MS was independently associated with poor prognosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.76; 95% CI 1.09-6.98). Approximately half of the patients with concomitant degenerative MS who underwent TAVI had true MS, which was associated with a poor prognosis. Computed tomographic analysis of AML calcification was useful for predicting true MS.

Assessment of Coagulation Factors in Patients with Severe Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis in Sinus Rhythm with Left Atrial Appendage Inactivity

BackgroundPatients with severe mitral stenosis (MS) in normal sinus rhythm (NSR), presenting with left atrial appendage (LAA) inactivity and associated left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) are prone to left atrium (LA) or LAA thrombus formation. But unlike for atrial fibrillation, oral anticoagulants are not commonly prescribed for this patient subset. This study aimed to compare the levels of procoagulants and fibrinogen in both local (LA) and systemic contexts between patients with severe MS in NSR vs those in healthy control subjects. MethodsThe study involved 35 patients with severe MS in NSR with LAA inactivity and LASEC who were eligible for balloon mitral valvuloplasty vs 35 healthy controls. All patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography to assess MS severity, LAA activity, and LASEC grade, and had blood samples analyzed for procoagulant levels. ResultsResults showed comparable baseline characteristics between groups, with most patients in the New York Heart Association II or III functional classes, and with varying LASEC grades. Patients exhibited significantly higher levels of prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 [patient vs control, 9017 pg/mL (6228.0-10,963.5) vs 1790 pg/mL (842.3-2712), P < 0.0001], thrombin-antithrombin III [patient vs control, 39 ng/mL (5.45-74.85) vs 2.80 ng/mL (1.6-6.5), P < 0.0001], plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (patients vs controls, 26.09 ± 8.18 ng/mL vs 8.05 ± 3.53 ng/mL, P < 0.0001), and fibrinogen (3.48 ± 0.89 g/L vs 3.01 ± 0.53 g/L, P = 0.029) in the LA of patients, compared to those in control subjects. Systemic procoagulant levels also were elevated in patients, but D-dimer levels were similar between the 2 groups. ConclusionsThe findings suggest a hypercoagulable state in patients, similar to that in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study advocates for consideration of use of oral anticoagulants in these patients until LA and LAA function improves, to mitigate thrombus formation.

Giant Eustachian Valve Mimicking an Inter-atrial Septal Defect

A 68-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea attributed to acute pulmonary oedema. Due to an audible diastolic murmur, a transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was performed revealing severe rheumatic mitral stenosis and regurgitation. Although initial assessment of the interatrial septum did not reveal any atrial septal defects, upon TEE evaluation using a 112° window, an interatrial defect was seen, with turbulent flow seen through this. However, using multiplanar imaging, a separate elongated Eustachian valve was shown to be mimicking an ‘arm’ of the interatrial septum and giving rise to the illusion of a defect. The Eustachian valve is a congenital remnant which often regresses at birth but can exist as an elongated structure originating from the inferior portion of the right atrium and may appear as an atrial septal defect. By employing multiplanar imaging on TEE, we were able to systematically discern the reason behind the apparent defect and avoid further delays to the patient’s care.

Combining 2D Planimetry and Yeo's Index Can Help Accurately Identify Patients with Severe Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis-A Perspective from a 3D Assessment Using Transoesophageal Echocardiography.

Yeo's index is a novel measure of the severity of rheumatic mitral valve stenosis (MS). It is derived from the product of the mitral leaflet separation index and dimensionless index. This study aims to validate Yeo's index using a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) three-dimensional (3D) mitral valve area (MVA) as a comparator and to compare the concordance of existing echocardiographic measures of the MVA with TEE 3DMVA. We studied 111 patients with rheumatic MS who underwent both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and a TEE assessment of MS severity. Yeo's index, the MVA determined by 2D planimetry, pressure half-time (PHT) and continuity equation (CE) measured on TTE were compared with the TEE 3DMVA. With a linear correlation, Yeo's index showed the best correlation with TEE 3DMVA (r2 = 0.775), followed by 2D planimetry (r2 = 0.687), CE (r2 = 0.598) and PHT (r2 = 0.363). Using TEE 3DMVA as comparator, Yeo's index (ρc = 0.739) demonstrated the best concordance, followed by 2D planimetry (ρc = 0.632), CE (ρc = 0.464) and PHT (ρc = 0.366). When both Yeo's index and 2D planimetry suggested significant MS, the positive predictive value was high (an AUC of 0.966 and a PPV of 100.00% for severe MS, and an AUC of 0.864 and a PPV of 85.71% for very severe MS). When both measures suggested the absence of significant MS, the negative predictive value was also high (an AUC of 0.940 and an NPV of 88.90% for severe MS, and an AUC of 0.831 and an NPV of 88.71% for very severe MS). Yeo's index performed well in identifying severe MS when compared with TEE 3DMVA and may be a useful adjunct to existing methods of measuring MS severity. Combining it with 2D planimetry could further enhance its accuracy.

Evaluating Discrepancies in Mitral Valve Area and Pressure Gradient: Implications for Diagnosing Severe Mitral Stenosis Under the 2023 Revised American Society of Echocardiography Recommendations

Evaluating Discrepancies in Mitral Valve Area and Pressure Gradient: Implications for Diagnosing Severe Mitral Stenosis Under the 2023 Revised American Society of Echocardiography Recommendations

3D Echocardiographic Assesment of Left Ventricle Size and Function with Automated Adaptive Software in Patients with Right Heart Dominant

Introduction : Echocardiography is a fundamental tool for assessing cardiac chamber size and function, with evolving technologies like real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and automated quantification software offering new possibilities. This study aims to validate left ventricular (LV) measurements obtained through automated quantification software against manual 3DE and 2D measurements, explore the relationship between these measurement techniques, and compare their reproducibility and analysis time. Methods : A total of 60 patients with uncorrected severe mitral stenosis (MS) and atrial septal defect (ASD) underwent echocardiography. Automated and manual 3DE measurements were compared, with subgroup analysis for software performance. Analysis times were also assessed. Results : The automated quantification software did not work in 16 patients, with notable differences in tricuspid regurgitation parameters. Automated 3DE measurements yielded larger LV volumes than manual 3DE measurements, while LV ejection fraction (LVEF) measurements were smaller. Good correlations were observed, but agreement analysis revealed significant differences between the two methods. The use of automated software significantly reduced analysis time. Conclusions : Automated quantification software can effectively measure LV parameters in patients with MS and ASD, significantly reducing analysis time. However, manual methods may still be necessary in cases with structural changes or unique anatomical conditions, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate measurement technique for specific patient populations. Keywords: 3D Echocardiography, Automated Adaptive Software, Cardiac Imaging

Catastrophic Cardiac Arrest Caused by Acute Pulmonary Hypertension After Removal of Giant Left Atrial Thrombus

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined as a resting mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) &amp;gt;20 mmHg on right heart catheterization, as described in the proceedings of the 6&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;th&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension. Left-sided heart failure (left heart disease) is the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays an important role in the monitoring of PH. But the disadvantage of TEE is the lack of continuity of monitoring. For patients with severe mitral stenosis and severe PH, should the Swan-Ganz catheter be placed routinely? The monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary venous pressure by Swan-Ganz catheter can guide the management of perioperative circulation and respiration, especially for early detection of PH. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Case presentation&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: This case report introduce a severe mitral valve stenosis with giant left atrium thrombosis performing cardiac surgery. After the removal of giant left atrial mass and mitral valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the patient gradually experienced difficulty in ventilation and persistent refractory hypotension, followed by ventricular fibrillation during the process of chest closure. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusions&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: TEE helps diagnose acute pulmonary hypertension. Although TEE plays an important role in the diagnosis and the decision to use mechanical devices, a Swan-Ganz catheter would be an effective hemodynamic monitoring device and can be used in conjunction with TEE in cardiac surgery.

Impact of commissural calcification on clinical outcome of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty; a retrospective cohort study of 876 patients

BackgroundPercutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) is the ACC/AHA class I recommendation for treating symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis with suitable valve morphology, less than moderate MR and absence of left atrium clot. The mitral valve restenosis and significant mitral regurgitation (MR) are known adverse outcomes of PBMV. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of PBMV in patients with severe mitral stenosis and the effect of Commissural Calcification (CC) on the outcomes.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective cohort study, 876 patients who underwent PBMV were categorized into three groups based on their Wilkins score (Group I: score ≤ 8, Group II: score 9–10, and Group III: score 11–12). Patients were evaluated before, early after PBMV and at 6- and 24-month follow-ups. Main clinical outcomes were defined as significant restenosis and or symptomatic significant MR (moderate to severe and severe MR) or candidate for mitral valve replacement (MVR). The outcomes were compared between patients with and without CC.ResultsA total of 876 patients with mean age 46.4 ± 12.3 years (81.0% females) were categorized based on Wilkins score. 333 (38.0%) were in Group I, 501 (57.2%) were in Group II, and 42 (4.8%) were in Group III. CC was present in 175 (20.0%) of the patients, among whom 95 (54.3%) had calcification of the anterolateral commissure, 64 (36.6%) had calcification of the posteromedial commissure, and in 16 (9.1%) patients both commissures were calcified. There was a significant difference in Wilkins score between patients with and without CC (P < 0.001). CC was associated with higher odds of significant symptomatic MR at early and mid-term follow up (OR: 1.69, 95%CI 1.19–2.41, P = 0.003; and OR: 3.90, 95%CI 2.61–5.83, P < 0.001, respectively), but not with restenosis (P = 0.128). Wilkins Groups II and III did not show higher odds of significant symptomatic MR compared to Group I at early (II: P = 0.784; III: P = 0.098) and mid-term follow up (II: P = 0.216; III: P = 0.227). Patients in Wilkins Group II had higher odds of restenosis compared to Group I (OR: 2.96,95%CI: 1.35–6.27, P = 0.007).ConclusionCommissural calcification (CC) is an independent predictor of the significant symptomatic MR (an important determinant of adverse outcome) following PBMV in the early and mid-term follow-up. Mitral valve restenosis occurs more in patients with higher Wilkins score compared to group I with score ≤ 8. Combined Wilkins score and CC should be considered for patient suitability for PBMV.

Validation of Yeo’s index in assessing severity of rheumatic mitral stenosis in mixed valve lesions

IntroductionYeo’s Index, product of the mitral leaflet separation index and dimensionless index, is a novel measure of the severity of rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). We assess Yeo’s index in patients with rheumatic MS with or without mixed valve disease. MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, Yeo’s index was measured in 237 cases of rheumatic MS − 124 in a transthoracic echocardiography validation cohort using mitral valve area (MVA) by pressure half-time and planimetry as comparator and 113 in a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) validation cohort using TEE three-dimensional MVA as comparator. Patients were considered to have mixed valve disease if they had MS and concomitant mitral regurgitation or aortic valve disease. ResultsThere were 113 patients with isolated MS and 124 patients with mixed valve disease. Overall, Yeo’s index ≤ 0.26 cm showed 93.0 % sensitivity and 87.5 % specificity for identifying severe MS (MVA ≤ 1.5 cm2). In isolated MS, Yeo’s index ≤ 0.26 cm showed sensitivity of 94.6 % and specificity of 90.0 % for identifying severe MS, while in mixed valve disease sensitivity was 90.6 % and specificity 86.7 %. Overall, Yeo’s index ≤ 0.15 cm showed 83.6 % sensitivity and 94.3 % specificity for very severe MS (MVA ≤ 1.0 cm2). In isolated MS, the threshold of ≤0.15 cm showed sensitivity of 84.4 % and specificity of 92.6 % for very severe MS, while in mixed valve disease sensitivity was 81.3 % and specificity 95.3 %. The presence of atrial fibrillation did not influence the performance of Yeo’s index. ConclusionYeo’s Index accurately differentiates severity of rheumatic MS with or without mixed valve disease.