Prognostic Role of Preoperative Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) in Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR) for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Patients

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion has been proposed as a simple and reproducible parameter for quantitative assessment of the right ventricular ejection fraction. The prognostic importance of preoperative TAPSE in patients with mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis patients is still under focused. Therefore, the objective of the study was to predict the outcome after MVR in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients in relation to preoperative TAPSE. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute. A total of 72 patients of rheumatic mitral stenosis patients who underwent mitral valve replacement were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: Group A and B. Group A included 36 patients with TAPSE 0.05) except for the preoperative TAPSE. Mean TAPSE of Group A was 13.17 (±1.40) and Group B was 18.61 (±1.57), the difference was statistically significant (p 0.05). Among the postoperative complications, including postoperative atrial fibrillation was higher in Group A (30.56%) than Group B (11.11%), mean ventilation time was higher in Group A (27.78%) than Group B (5.56%), length of intensive care was higher in Group A (33.33%) than Group B (11.12%), and hospital stay was higher in Group A (25.0%) than Group B (5.56%), (p < 0.05). Higher preoperative TASPE could be used as a prognostic tool for MVR in rheumatic mitral stenosis patients in our settings.

Mitral pseudostenosis due to a large left atrial myxoma

Myxomas are benign cardiac tumours that are mostly （75%） located in the left atrium, but they also can be found in the right atrium （15%-20%）, in the right ventricle （4%） and in the left ventricle （3%）.

CHANGES OF PLASMA ENDOTHELIN CONCENTRATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON MITRAL VALVULOPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH MITRAL STENOSIS

Plasma concentrations of endothelin in bloor from the femoral vein and the antecubital vein were measured in 35 patients with mitral stenosis and heart failure before and after percutaneous balloon mitralvalvuloplasty(PBMV). The basal plasma concentrations of endothelin in blood from the antecubirtal vein in the patients were significantly higher than those in 32 control subjects (15. 40± 3. 32 vs. 9. 59± 2. 66 pg/ml, P<0. 001). Plasma endothelin concentrations in patients in New York Heart Association functional classes Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly higher than those in control subjects, respectively. The concentrations of endothelin in patients with atrial fibrillation were also significantly higher than those in patients with normal sinus rhythm. Ten to fifteen minutes after PBMV, plasma endothelin concentrations in blood from the femoral vein significantly decreased from 16. 14 ± 3. 34 to 13. 74 ± 3. 78 pg/ml (P<0. 01 ). Seventy-two hours after the procedure, the concentrations of endothelin in blood from the antecubital vein had fallen to 12. 31 ± 2. 55 pg/ml (P<0. 001 vs. before PBMV and control subjects). Plasma endothelin concentrations still tended to be higher in patients with atrial fibrillation than those in normal sinus rhythm, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. There were weak but significantly correlations of plasma endothe lin concentrations with the mean left atrial pressure (r= 0. 424 , P < 0.001 ), mean right atrial pressure (r=0. 323, P<0. 01), mean transmitral pressure gradient (r= 0. 397, P<0. 001), heart rate (r= 0. 350,P<0. 005)and mitral valve area (r=-0. 454, P<0. 001) in the patients before and after PBMV.

IMPORTANCE OF ATRIAL CONTRIBUTION TO LEFT VENTRICULAR FILING IN MITRAL STENOSIS BEFORE AND AFTER BALLOON VALVULOPLASTY

To assess the importance of atrial contribution to left ventricular filling in mitral stenosis, Doppler echocardiography war performed in 31 patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm before(all patients) and after (15 patients) percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty. Percent atrial contribution was derived from the ratio of atrial velocity-time integral (VTI) to total mitral VTL.The percent atrial contribution correlated closely with mitral valve area (r=0.91, P<0.001) and was inversely related to mean pressure gradient across the mitral valve orifice (r= -0.68, P<0.01). The study indicates that the degree of mitral stenosis exeris a great effect on the importance of a trial contribution to left ventricular filling in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm.

Echocardiographic and Clinical Evaluation of Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis in Younger and Elderly Patients

Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is common form of heart disease among population, especially in developing countries like India. Mitral stenosis (MS) is majorly caused by rheumatic heart disease with mitral commissural adhesion, fibrosis and calcification of the chordae tendineae. The aim of present study was clinical and echocardiographic evaluation for mitral stenosis in RHD patients with different age group. Methods: This was a retrospective, nonrandomized, and single-centre study in which 203 consecutive patients presented rheumatic mitral stenosis. All the patients were divided into different age group viz. 65 years. Cardiovascular examination and echocardiography were done in each patient. Mitral valve area (MVA), mitral valve gradient (MVG) and left atrial (LA) diameter were assessed by echocardiography. Mitral valve score was recorded to analyse the degenerative changes in mitral valve structure. Results: A total of 203 patients (133 females) were enrolled and divided into three age groups. Patients with age above 65 years were considered as elderly and those patients with age below 40 years were considered as younger. Echocardiographic assessment showed mean 4.7 and 4.9 cm LA diameter, 0.92 and 0.86 cm2 MVA and 11.2 and 9.7 mm Hg MVG in younger and elderly patients respectively. Total mitral valve score has shown significant (p 2 had shown significant difference (p Conclusion: Present study provides unique contemporary data on characteristics and management of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. Majority of elderly patients are unsuitable for percutaneous commissurotomy due to degenerative changes in mitral valve structure.

CHANGES OF PLASMA DYNORPHIN LEVELS BEFORE AND AFTER PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON MITRAL COMMISSUROTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH MITRAL STENOSIS

Plasma dynorphin A1-13 levels were measured in 33 patients with mitral stenosis before and after percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy (PBMC). The results show that the basal levels of plasma dynorphin in blood from the antecubital vein in the patients were significantly higher than those in 31 healthy control subjects. The increase in circulating dynorphin closely correlated with the functional cardiac status and the presence of atrial fibrillation. Ten to fifteen minutes after PBMC, plasma dynorphin levels in blood from the femoral vein increased significantly. Seventy-two hours after the procedure, the levels of plasma dynorphin in blood from the antecubital vein had decreased significantly , but they did not decrease to the normal range. Plasma dynorphin levels in blood from the femoral vein were positively correlated with the mean left atrial pressure and the mean right atrial pressure before the first balloon inflation. Plasma dynorphin levels in blood from the antecubital vein were positively correlated with the heart rate and the mean transmitral pressure gradient, and negatively with the mitral valve area before and 72 hours after PBMC.

Left Atrial Appendage Mechanical Changes in Patient with Mitral Stenosis Speckle Tracking Imaging Study

Background: LAA is the major site of thrombus formation in mitral stenosis;active LAA blood flow and contractile function may be disturbed in MS. TEE?is the modality of choice for evaluating LAA and Speckle-tracking?echocardiography (STE) is a recently developed technique for the characterization and quantification of myocardial deformation. It permits measurement of LA and LAA strain and strain rate which can be used to assess the mechanical function of LAA. Objective: To assess the mechanical function of left atrial appendage (LAA) in mitral stenosis (MS) patients with sinus rhythm by 2D?speckle tracking strain and strain rate through transesophageal?echocardiography (TEE). Patients & Method: Thirty-three patients with moderate tosevere MS and sinus rhythm, 38.33 ± 5.66 years as a case group and?twenty-two age and sex matched healthy volunteers as a control group. All?participants underwent compete conventional transthoracic echocardiography;TEE for assessment of LAA morphology and Doppler flow and speckle?tracking strain & strain rate were measured from LAA walls. Results: LAA Doppler flow peak velocities, LAA strain, reservoir strain rate (RSr), conduit strain rate (CSr) and atrial contractile strain rate (ASr) all were significantly lower in patient group. Global Strain of LAA had a negative correlation with LA diameter, pulmonary artery systolic pressure & degree of spontaneous echo contrast and a positive correlation with MS area and LAA Doppler flow.Conclusion: 2D speckle tracking strain and strain rate of LAA is a feasible technique and is significantly reduced in patients with mitral stenosis even with sinus rhythm.

Role of Two Dimension Strain and Strain Rate Echocardiography in Assessment of Rheumatic Mitral Valve Stenosis

Introduction: Current echocardiographic parameters have a limitation in assessing mitral valve (MV)apparatus in rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) patient. In the current study, we use 2 dimensional (2D)longitudinal strain (S) and strain rate (Sr) imaging in evaluating the papillary muscle longitudinal strain (LS) as an objective and quantitative echocardiographic parameter with high reproducibility in the assessment of MV apparatus in patients with mild to moderate rheumatic MS with preserved ejection fraction (EF%).?Patients and Method: The study included 40 patients with established diagnosis of MS subdivided in to 31 patients with moderate MS (mean age: 32 ± 5) and 9 patients with mild MS (mean age: 31 ± 6). 20 healthy individuals (mean age 31 ± 6) as a control for cases. The mitral valve area (MVA) was estimated using planimetry and pressure half time (PHT) methods. 2D longitudinal systolic S and Sr imaging was carried out for all participants from the apical long axis (LAX), 4 chamber (4C), 2 chamber (2C) views. Global longitudinal systolic S and Sr were estimated by averaging the 3 apical views. Longitudinal myocardial strain of papillary muscle PMs was assessed by the use of the free strain method from apical 4 chamber view for the antrolateral papillary muscle (APM) and apical long axis view for postromedial papillary muscle (PPM).?Results: Patients with MS had significantly decreased longitudinal LV systolic S and Sr in comparison with control group (p Conclusion: Patients with MS and preserved EF% had decreased APM-LS & PPM-LS in comparison with control group, and had decreased longitudinal LV systolic S and Sr when compared with control group. 2D strain as well as Sr imaging might be a useful method for assessment of mitral valve apparatus in patients with MS & preserved EF%.

The prognostic impact of P wave dispersion in prediction of clinical outcome after percutaneous balloon mitarl valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of P-maximum and P-wave dispersion on the long term clinical outcome after successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) in patients with mitral stenosis (MS) and sinus rhythm. Also to test the correlation between P-variables and right ventricular function and pulmonary artery pressure before and after PMBV. Methods: Eighty-five patients undergoing PMBV were enrolled in this study. We evaluated P-maximum, P-minimum and P-wave dispersion before and one month after PBMV. We studied the changes in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), left atrial (LA) dimension, mitral diastolic gradient, and mitral valve area, in addition to the changes in right ventricular function utilizing tissue Doppler assessment both before and after PMBV, in addition the role of the P-wave dispersion in predicttion of late cardiac events. Results: There were significant decreases in mean diastolic gradient, PAP, and LA size and significant improvement in right ventricular tissue Doppler indices after PMBV. Ac- company these hemodynamic changes after PMBV. P-maximum and P-wave dispersion were found to be decreased (P < 0.001). Patients developed cardiac events during follow-up had a higher P-maximum and P-dispersion than those without late cardiac events (P < 0.001). Moreover the changes in P-maxi- mum and P-dispersion before and after PMBV in patients with cardiac events were not significant, while P-maximum and P-dispersion significantly (P < 0.002) decreased in patients without events It was revealed with linear regression and correlation analy- sis that the degree of and the changes in P-maximum and P-wave dispersion were correlated with devel- opment of late cardiac events after PMBV, with Cut-off values of ≥62.8 msec for P-wave dispersion and 118 mes for P-maximum.ROC curve showed AUC of 0.919 for P-wave dispersion and 0.913 for P-maximum (P < 0.001). Conclusion: P-wave maximum and dispersion are significantly increased in patients with mitral stenosis. These changes decreased significantly after PMBV. The P-maximum and P-wave dispersion changes were correlated with significant impairment of right dysfunction and the degree of pulmonary artery pressure. P-maximum and P-wave dispersion could be considered as independent predictors of late outcome of patients with MS after successful PMBV (AF, recurrent hospital admission, embolic phenomenon deterioration of right ventricular function).

Importance of concomitant functional mitral regurgitation on survival in severe aortic stenosis patients undergoing aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND Mitral regurgitation(MR)is commonly seen in patients with severe aortic stenosis(AS)undergoing aortic valve replacement(AVR).But the long-term implications of MR in AS are unknown.AIM To investigate MR’s impact on survival of patients undergoing surgical AVR for severe AS.METHODS Of the 740 consecutive patients with severe AS evaluated between 1993 and 2003,287 underwent AVR forming the study cohort.They were followed up to death or till the end of 2019.Chart reviews were performed for clinical,echocardiographic,and therapeutic data.MR was graded on a 1-4 scale.Mortality data was obtained from chart review and the Social Security Death Index.Survival was analyzed as a function of degree of MR.RESULTS The mean age of the severe AS patients who had AVR(n=287)was 72±13 years,46%women.Over up to 26 years of follow up,there were 201(70%)deaths,giving deep insights into the determinants of survival of severe AS who had AVR.The 5,10 and 20 years survival rates were 75%,45%and 25%respectively.Presence of MR was associated with higher mortality in a graded fashion(P=0.0003).MR was significantly associated with lower left ventricular(LV)ejection fraction and larger LV size.Impact of MR on mortality was partially mediated through lower LV ejection fraction and larger LV size.By Cox regression,MR,lower ejection fraction(EF)and larger LV end-systolic dimension were independent predictors of higher mortality(χ^(2)=33.2).CONCLUSION Presence of greater than 2+MR in patients with severe AS is independently associated with reduced survival in surgically managed patients,an effect incremental to reduced EF and larger LV size.We suggest that aortic valve intervention should be considered in severe AS patients when>2+MR occurs irrespective of EF or symptoms.

PBMV IN TREATING MITRAL STENOSIS WITH LEFT ATRIAL THROMBUS

We have performed 348 canes of PBMV(pereutsneous Balloon Mitralvalvhloplssty)since April 1989,in which there are 4 Patients(13.8%)diagnosed as mitral stenosis with left atrial thrombus.To keepprothrombin time 1.5-2 times as normal,two kiods of thrombolytictherapy was qiven to these 48 patients,one was using 2 weeks ofurokinase(20 theusand units/d intravaneously)for early 18 cases,theother was using 4 weeks of warlarin(3-10mg/d.po)for other 30cases.PBMV was perlormed after thrombolytic therapy.In those 48cases,PBMV of 47 cases were successful,none of them had thecomplication,such as cerebral,limb and systemic emboesm.Though 1ease of PBMV was failed because balloon couldn’t be sent to mitralorifice owing to thrombus just adjacent to mitral orifice,which wasverified by intraesophagesl echocardiogram after operation,butseveral times of touching between balloon and thrombus hadn’tresulted in other organ’s embolism.Above data revealled that it’s safeto take PBMV after 4 weeks of thrombolytic therapy of warfarin inpatients of mitral stenosis with left atrial thrombus.The mechanismperhaps is,we think,that thrombolylic therapy can make freshthrombua dissolute and make old ones organize to prevent thrombusfrom dropping.So the patients of mitral stenosis with left atrialthrombus can take PBMV after strict thrombolytic therapy.

OBSERVATION OF QUINIDINE ON THE CARDIOVERSION TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC MITRAL STENOSIS AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AFTER PERCUTANEOUS BALLON MITRAL VALVULOPLASTY

Background:Pharmacologic therapy has been advocated for bothcardioversion and prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation.Quinidine is thetherapeutic mainstay for both purpose.Method:Twelve patients withrheumatic mitral stenosis and persistent atrial fibrillation recieved quinidineafter percutaneoas ballon mitral valvuloplasty within 3-6 weeks.If heart rate】100bpm,it was decreased with intravenous or oral digoxin,wbereafter 200mgof oral quinidine was given maximally 5 times,each dose 2 hours apart.Afterconversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm.All patients recieved 200mg oforal quinidine once or twice a day for prevention of recurrence.Result:Allpatients were converted to sinus rhythm and two of patients had recurrence ofatrial fibrllation within three months after cardioversion treatment.The sideeffect included diarrhea,vomit and bleeding tendency.Conclusion:Quinidineis effective in conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm and is associatedwith an acceptable efficacy rate in preventing recurrence of atrial fibrillation.It shows that proper supply of drug,careful observation of side effects andpatient psychological nursing is also important to quinidine cardioversiontreatment.

Primary Left Atrial Intimal Sarcoma Disguised as Functional Mitral Stenosis: A Case Study

A 66-year-old female with a 1-month history of increasing fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and palpitations presented with clinical signs of heart failure. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a large, mobile left atrial (LA) mass attached to the mitral valve causing severe mitral stenosis and mitral regurgitation. The mass was surgically debulked and the mitral valve was replaced. Pathology revealed a poorly differentiated malignant spindle cell neoplasm with diffuse nuclear positivity of MDM2 and multifocal positivity of CDK4, consistent with intimal sarcoma. This case seeks to describe an uncommon presentation of a rare malignancy, and the surgical and medical management of the disease.

Rheumatic Aortic Valve Disease with Mitral Stenosis—A Case Report

Congenitally malformed aortic valves are more susceptible to valve injury due to rheumatic fever, mechanical stress of altered flow patterns, atherosclerotic risk factors and degenerative changes. Rheumatic involvement usually occurs in childhood and it is progressive leading to diffuse thickening and fibrosis at leaflet edges and thus differentiated from other patterns of valve damage. Background of this case report revealed the bicuspid nature of the aortic valve due to rheumatic commissural fusion and analysis of echocardiographic parameters in combined lesions of both aortic and mitral valves with severe LV (left ventricular) dysfunction. Left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) dilations predisposing to the formation of smoke (SEC-spontaneous echo contrast) in LV and LA as a consequence of mitral and aortic valve disease are illustrated by 2D echocardiographic imaging in this 41-year-old male.

Effect of rheumatic mitral stenosis on end-diastolic volume of left ventricle

Objective To investigate the relations between the pathological contraction of the valve and sub-valvular apparatus in rheumatic mitral stenosis and end-diastolic volume of left ventricle. Method From 1990-2004, 90 patients with only moderate or severe rheumatic mitral stenosis （mitral group）, and 24 patients with combined moderate or severe rheumatic mitral stenosis and significant aortic regurgitation （ combined valves group）, diagnostically confirmed by surgery and pathology, were measured using echocardiaogram the end-diastolic volume and diameter, stroke volume and ejection fraction of left ventricle. Result Compared with mitral group combined valves group showed slight increases of end-diastolic volume and diameter （116.49 ± 37.93 ml and 136.72±70.67 ml, respectively; 49.34 ± 6.71 mm and 51.08 ± 8.32 mm, respectively; both P 〈 0.05）, and slight decreases of ejection fraction, but significant increases of stroke volume （71.37 ± 25.01 ml and 91.06 ± 36.67 ml, respectively; P〈0.05） of left ventricle. Conclusion The pathological shortening of mitral valve and sub-valvular apparatus caused by long-term rheumatic disease is the main cause of decreased left ventricular volume in mitral stenosis.

Analysis of risk factors for left atrial thrombosis in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis

Objective To analyse the risk factors for left atrial thrombosis in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. Methods From January 2001 to December 2008,2277 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis underwent operations in our hospital. There were 737 males and 1540 females,the age ranged from 19 to 84 years [average (50.9 ±10.2) years]. Left atrial thrombosis group

Transfemoral aortic valve implantation in the case of pre-existing mitral prosthesis and pure aortic regurgitation: A case report

BACKGROUND Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)is recommended in patients with severe aortic stenosis who have high surgical risk.However,in the pre-existing mechanical mitral valve prosthesis and natural pure aortic regurgitation,TAVR is relatively contraindicated.In this report,we described one case of TAVR with native aortic regurgitation in the presence of mechanical mitral valve prosthesis.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old man with a medical history of mitral valve replacement had severe dyspnea and was symptomatic even at rest for 3 mo.His echocardiography showed severe native pure aortic regurgitation.His euroscore was 15.A TAVR procedure with an evolut R was planned.A 34 mm evolut R was placed by transesophageal echocardiography.The mitral prosthesis was functioning normally,and mild-moderate paravalvular leakage was evident by transesophageal echocardiography.The patient recovered without any complication.At 1 mo follow up,the patient was well,and no paravalvular leakage was noted.CONCLUSION TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation in the presence of prosthetic mitral valve can be a safe procedure.

CC-chemokine receptor 7 and its ligand CCL 19 promote mitral valve interstitial cell migration and repair

The effect of CC-chemokine receptor 7 （CCR7） and CC-chemokine ligand 19 （CCL19） on rheumatic mitral ste- nosis is unknown. This study aimed to explore the roles of CCR7 and CCL19 in rheumatic mitral stenosis by mea- suring the expression of CCR7 and CCL19 in human mitral valves from rheumatic mitral stenosis patients. Additionally, we examined their effects on human mitral valve interstitial cells （hMVICs） proliferation, apoptosis and wound repair. CCR7 and CCL19 expression was measured in the mitral valves from rheumatic mitral stenosis patients （n= 10） and compared to normal mitral valves （n=5）. CCR7 was measured in cultured hMVICs from rheu- matic mitral stenosis patients and normal donors by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The cells were also treated with exogenous CCL19, and the effects on wound healing, proliferation and apoptosis were assayed. In the rheu- matic mitral valves, valve interstitial cells expressed CCR7, while mononuclear cells and the endothelium expressed CCL19. Healthy mitral valves did not stain positive for CCR7 or CCL19. CCR7 was also detected in cultured rheu- matic hMVICs or in normal hMVICs treated with CCL19. In a wound healing experiment, wound closure rates of both rheumatic and normal hMVICs were significantly accelerated by CCL19. These effects were abrogated by a CCR7 neutralizing antibody. The CCR7/CCL19 axis did not influence the proliferation or apoptosis of hMVICs, indicating that wound healing was due to increased migration rates rather than increased proliferation. In conclu- sion, CCR7 and CCL19 were expressed in rheumatic mitral valves. The CCR7/CCL19 axis may regulate remodel- ing of rheumatic valve injury through promoting migratory ability of hMVICs.

An elderly parachute mitral valve:still landing well

An 80-year-old male with type Ⅱ diabetes mellitus,hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented with chest pain.Vital signs were significant for severely elevated blood pressure of 190/100 mmHg,but otherwise normal.Physical examination was unrevealing.Chest X-ray and electrocardiogram were unremarkable.In Figure 1A,the transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated an ejection fraction of 55%–60%with a parachute mitral valve(PMV),which had no stenosis or regurgitation.The patient’s chest pain resolved with normalization of his blood pressure and he was discharged with medical management.

Mitral Valve Commissurotomy: Which One between the Three Techniques Gives a Better Long-Team Outcome?

Objective: we sought to compare long-term results of three techniques: CMC, OMC and PMC in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. Patients and Method: Between January 1994 and December 2015, 183 patients underwent mitral valve surgery for rheumatic mitral restenosis. All patients were investigated by echocardiography-Doppler performed by a senior cardiologist. The patients were divided into 3 groups: patients who have previously closed mitral commissurotomy (CMC n = 101), patients with previously open mitral commissurotomy (OMC n = 28) and those treated by Balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PMC = 54). Results: The three groups were comparable in term of major demographic data. Mitral restenosis occurred precociously in groups treated by PMC (7 ± 4 years), followed by group with OMC 11.4 ± 4 years and CMC group but it occurred later CMC 16.8 ± 7.8 years (p Conclusion: CMC produces better long-term outcome than OMC and PMC. However, it would be premature to conclude to its superiority.