Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

A 57-year-old man reported experiencing dyspnea after walking 100 feet that has been progressing despite medical therapy.He has two-pillow orthopnea and occasional nighttime dyspnea but no angina.He had an anterior myocardial infarction 5 years previously but did not seek medical care until 2 days after the event.Viability studies demonstrated only limited anterior wall viability.– Electrocardiogram:sinus rhythm with left bundle branch block.– Medications:furosemide,120 mg twice daily;metolazone,5 mg every other day;carvedilol,25 mg twice daily;lisinopril,40 mg daily;spironolactone,25 mg daily.

Left Ventricular Reconstruction and Mitral Valve Annuloplasty Combined with Papillary Muscle Relocation for Severe Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation

A 46-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to severe ischemic mitral regurgitation with severe bileaflet tethering and a dilated left ventricle. We performed left ventricular reconstruction and mitral valve annuloplasty combined with papillary muscle relocation. Although left ventricular continued remodeling occurred during follow-up, left ventricular reconstruction and mitral valve annuloplasty combined with papillary muscle relocation provided durable mitral repair, and his functional status was good. Thus, this combined surgical treatment may reduce mitral regurgitation recurrence after mitral valve annuloplasty.

A Surgical Perspective on Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: Tethering or Prolapse? Going Back to Papillary Muscles Anatomy. What the Surgeons Really Need to Know

More than one third of patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) present a valve prolapse whose mechanism is subtended by a papillary injury. The recent literature is pointing at a regional ventricular injury or wall motion abnormality rather than a global LV dysfunction as responsible for IMR and the presence of localized valve prolapse related to papillary dysfunction is additionally supporting this idea. Leaflet tethering or prolapse in these patients is subtended by lesion of the papillary muscle (PM) per se rather than its dysfunction secondary to regional and global ventricle enlargement. Identification of this type of lesion is difficult and can be overlooked. Morphological characteristics and anatomical variability of the papillary muscles determine their different susceptibility ischemic damage and dysfunction. Pioneering work in mitral anatomy shows a range of morphological diversity of PM anatomy and leads to an anatomical classification with important implications in IMR surgery. New methods of investigation, as multidetector computed tomography or magnetic resonance provide a very accurate and proper identification of the morphological pattern of the subvalvular apparatus, which is crucial for a long-lasting and successful surgical correction. The involvement of PM in the pathophysiology of IMR not only in terms of their functional anomaly, but also of their effective anatomical aspects and characteristics is increasingly emerging. The modern advancements of imaging techniques can guide the preoperative surgical planning and the surgeon needs to be aware of morphological features of the subvalvular apparatus and combine these findings with echographic functional parameters before embarking in complex mitral repairs.

Chronic ischemic mitral valve regurgitation and surgical perspectives

Chronic ischemic mitral valve regurgitation is a result of disturbed left ventricular geometry secondary to myocardial ischemia in the absence of intrinsic mitral valve pathology. It is a common complication after myocardial infarction, and patients who have ischemic mitral regurgitation(IMR) have a worse prognosis compared to patients who have ischemic heart disease alone, and this is directly related to the severity of IMR. Medical therapy has limited efficacy, and surgical options including various repair techniques and valve replacement had been tried with variable success. Still there is intense debate among surgeons whether to interfere with moderate degree IMR at the time of coronary artery revascularization.

Predictors of persistence of functional mitral regurgitation after cardiac resynchronization therapy:Review of literature

Functional mitral regurgitation is a common finding among heart failure patients with ischemic and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies.The presence of moderate or severe mitral regurgitation is associated with higher morbidity and mortality.Heart failure patients meeting electrocardiogram and left ventricle function criteria are good candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy,which may reduce the degree of functional mitral regurgitation in the short and long term,specifically targeting myocardial dyssynchrony and inducing left ventricle reverse remodeling.In this article,we analyze data from the literature about predictors of mitral regurgitation improvement after cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation.

Clinical features and treatment options for mitral regurgitation in elderly inpatients

Objective To summarize clinical characteristics and treatment strategy of Chinese elderly mitral regurgitation （MR） inpatients under the current guidelines, and to identify factors related to treatment options in them. Methods A single center retrospective study was conducted in which patients hospitalized in Fuwai hospital from May ist of 2014 to April 30 of 2015 with moderate to severe MR assessed by transthoraeic echocardiography were enrolled consecutively （n = 1741）. Patients 〉 60 years old were grouped as elderly group （n = 680） and patients 〈 60 years were grouped as control group （n = 1061）. The elderly group was categorized into two subgroups based on surgical status. Results The mean age of the elderly group was 66.98 i 5.94 years. The most common reason of MR in elderly group was degenerative MR （41.18%）. Atherosclerotic risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidaemia were more commonly observed in elderly group than the control group （45.44% vs. 25.17%, P 〈 0.001; 19.56% vs. 8.48%, P 〈 0.001; 35.29% vs. 19.51%, P 〈 0.001）. Elderly group had higher Enroscore Ⅱ score （5.54 ± 2.42 vs. 3.15 ± 1.66）, greater left ventricular end diastolic diameter （LVEDD） （57.72±12.3 vs. 57.33 ± 10.19 ram） and a lower surgery rate （54.71% vs. 63.91%）; P 〈 0.05. Age, left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, regurgitation grade, Eu- roScore-Ⅱ high risk stratification and having diabetes were identified as factors associated with therapy decisions in elderly MR patients. Conclusions Valve surgery was denied in 45.29% of elderly MR inpatients. Older age, impaired LVEF, lower regurgitation grade, Euro- Score-Ⅱ high risk stratification, and having diabetes were factors most significantly associated with surgery denial among elderly Chinese inpatients with MR.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction with mitral regurgitation

Ischemic mitral regurgitation （IMR） is a common complication of acute myocardial infarction （AMI）. Current evidences suggest that revascularization of the culprit vessels with percutaneous coronary artery intervention （PCI） or coronary artery bypass grafting can be beneficial for relieving IMR. A 2.5-year follow-up data of a 61-year-old male patient with ST-segment elevation AMI complicated with IMR showed that mitral regurgitation area increased five days after PCI, and decreased to lower steady level three months after PCI. This finding suggest that three months after PCI might be a suitable time point for evaluating the possibility oflMR recovery and the necessity of surgical intervention of the mitral valve for AMI patient.

Transient severe mitral regurgitation after paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in patient with WPW syndrome

A 65-year-old woman was presented with acute ab- dominal pain. The initial heart rate was 170 beats/min and the ECG showed supraventricular tachycardia （Figure IA）. After intra-venous adenosine administered, it recovered to sinus rhythm and the follow-up ECG showed WPW pattern （Figure 1B）. The echocardiography revealed mitral valve prolapse of mid portion of anteromedial valve leaflet （A2） with severe mitral regurgitation （MR） （Figure 2）.

Catheter-based intervention for symptomatic patient with severe mitral regurgitation and very poor left ventricular systolic function-Safe but no room for complacency

Many patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction have concomitant mitral regurgitation(MR). Their symptoms and prognosis worsen with increasing severity of MR. Percutaneous Mitra Clip® can be used safely to reduce the severity of MR even in patients with advanced heart failure and is associated with improved symptoms, quality of life and exercise tolerance. However, a few patients with very poor left ventricular systolic function may experience significant haemodynamic disturbance in the peri-procedural period. We present three such patients, highlighting some of the potential problems encountered and discuss their possible pathophysiological mechanisms and safety measures.

A Rare Case of Improved Mitral Regurgitation after the Inter-Atrial Septal Defect Created during an Unsuccessful Percutaneous Mitra-Clip Placement Attempt

Percutaneous mitral valve repair has shown to be a less-invasive treatment option for patients with symptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with multiple comorbidities. We describe a case of improved mitral regurgitation due to improved atrial fibrillation secondary to left atrial pressure relief after the inter-atrial defect created during an unsuccessful mitraclip placement attempt. Transthoracic Echocardiogram that was performed on admission showed severe mitral valve regurgitation. She was not a surgical candidate due to multiple co-morbidities. Patient was then medically optimized and a percutaneous MitraClip placement (PMCP) was attempted but was unsuccessful due to excessive trans-mitral gradient and the procedure was aborted. However, left atrial pressure decreased, likely secondary to inter-atrial septal defect created by the procedure. Transesophageal echocardiogram performed post-op showed moderate and improved mitral regurgitation and sinus rhythm. Attempts to convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm to improve mitral regurgitation had to be made before continuing with a mitral clip placement procedure in our case. In our case, the procedure itself did not help patient’s symptoms, but the resulting acute atrial pressure relief improved mitral regurgitation overall due to left to right shunt from iASD, which also helped the rhythm.

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.

Asymptomatic Mitral Regurgitation Caused by an Isolated Mitral Leaflet Cleft in a Young Adult: A Case Report

We report the case of an 18-year-old young man without previous medical history, who was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic cardiac murmur. Physical examination found holosystolic 4-5/6 apical murmur with normal ECG. Bidimensionnal (2D) echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation with thin mitral leaflets. Three dimensional (3D) Echocardiography done for better assessment of mitral valve regurgitation mechanism revealed an isolated mitral leaflet cleft, without signs of endocarditis or traumatic lesion. Regarding the absence of symptoms and excellent maximal exercise tolerance at stress echocardiography, a repair surgery wasn’t offered. Isolated mitral leaflet cleft is a rare congenital anomaly, in adults, the cleft may be an incidental finding that remains asymptomatic for years when the leak is well tolerated. 2D combined with 3D echocardiography is key for diagnosis and surgery guidance.

Papillary Muscle Relocation in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: Midterm Outcomes

Background: Mitral valve repair in secondary mitral regurgitation is still uncertain as the chance of recurrence is approximately 30 percent after solely undersized annuloplasty. Some procedures adding to the subvalvular level are proposed to alleviate the recurrent rate. This study was to evaluate the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of papillary muscle relocation plus undersized ring in secondary mitral regurgitation (2nd MR). Methods: Medical records of moderate to severe 2nd MR with tethering depth of more than 1 cm patients who underwent papillary muscle relocation plus undersized ring from 2014 to 2020 were reviewed. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters before and after operation were analyzed. Results: Thirty-two patients were included during the 6-year period. There was no perioperative mortality. Two patients died at one year from ischemic stroke and car accidents with overall 5-year survival of 93.7%. All patients were in NYHA class I and II with MR grading as trivial or mild at a median follow-up of 33 months. Postoperative mean tenting depth, area and posterior leaflet angle decreased remarkably from 1.18 cm, 2.61 cm2 and 46.5 degree to 0.65 cm, 1.22 cm2 and 28.6 degree, respectively (p 0.001, 0.02, and 0.01). Moreover, left ventricular function and remodeling were also notably improved (EF;38.2% vs 49.1%: p = 0.018, LVEDD;62.8 vs 54.6 mm: p = 0.005, LVESD;50.2 vs 42.4 mm: p = 0.01). Conclusions: Papillary muscle relocation combined with undersized annuloplasty improved mid-term clinical outcomes. Apart from reduction of recurrent MR rate, restoration of mitral configuration and reverse LV remodeling could be the effect of adding subvalvular correction in this pathology.

The Structural Impact of Aortic Valve Replacement on Mitral Regurgitation

Background: Structural changes to the mitral annulus occur following aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe aortic stenosis which may influence functional mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods: A retrospective review of 44 patients who underwent open AVR for aortic stenosis at a single center from 2010-2013 was performed. Patients undergoing concomitant aortic root surgery or with severe MR were excluded. MR was evaluated with preoperative and postoperative transthoracic echocardiograms. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess for factors associated with postoperative MR improvement and worsening. Results: Prior to AVR, none had severe MR, 5% (2 patients) had moderate, 9% (4 patients) mild-to-moderate, 46% (20 patients) mild, and 23% (9 patients) trace MR. Of patients with pre-operative MR, 44% (16 patients) experienced improvement of MR. Six patients had worsening of MR and the remaining 22 patients had no change. Cases of more severe MR were more likely to improve compared with mild or trace MR (P = 0.04). MR worsening was significantly more likely in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (83% vs. 24%;P = 0.004), and with larger aortic annulus diameters (P = 0.03). MR worsening was less frequent in cases of mitral annular calcification (0% vs 42%;P = 0.04) and left atrial enlargement (17% vs 65%;P = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis revealed negative predictors for MR improvement were mitral annular calcification (P = 0.04) and larger aortic annulus diastolic diameter (P = 0.05). Conclusion: Structural factors such as aortic annular size, mitral annular calcification and valve morphology may impact MR following AVR and should be investigated further as potential targets of surgical therapy.

Development in mechanisms of ischemic mitral regurgitation

Objective The clinical diagnosis and treatment of ischemia mitral regurgitation （IMR） remained difficult because of its unclear mechanisms. This paper reviews studies on the mechanisms of IMR during the last 20 years, and discusses the relevance of the various mechanisms. Data sources Data used in this review were mainly from CNKI and Pubmed in English. The search terms were ＂ischemia mitral regurgitation mechanism＂, ＂myocardial infarction＂ AND ＂mitral regurgitation＂. Study selection Articles were selected if they involved mechanisms of IMR. Results IMR is one of the common complications of coronary artery disease. But currently, the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IMR remained difficult because of its unclear mechanisms. Conclusions For now, dominating theory of ischemic mitral regurgitation mechanisms are left ventricular remodeling, imbalance of leaflet tethering and the closing force, left ventricular dysfunction, changes in spatial structure of the annulus and the dyssynchrony of the left ventricular electromechanical activity.

Clinically unrecognized mitral regurgitation is prevalent in lone atrial fibrillation

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of clinically unrecognized mitral regurgitation(MR) in lone atrial fibrillation(AF).METHODS:We studied the prevalence and severity of MR by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) in patients with "lone" AF as compared to a matched cohort of patients in normal sinus rhythm(NSR) undergoing TEE for other indications besides recognized valvular heart disease.RESULTS:A total of 157 subjects(57 in the AF group and 100 in the NSR group) with structurally normal cardiac valves were included in the study.In the AF group,moderate MR or more was noted in 66% of thepatients,mild MR in 18%,trace or no MR in 16%.In the control group,moderate MR was noted in 6% of patients,mild MR 31%,trace or no MR in 63 % of patients.Moderate MR or greater was significantly more prevalent in the AF group compared to the NSR group(66% vs 6%,P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION:Clinically unrecognized moderate MR is prevalent in "lone" AF-either as an etiologic factor leading to "lone" AF or developing after onset of AF.

Mechanical dyssynchrony and deformation imaging in patients with functional mitral regurgitation

Chronic functional mitral regurgitation(FMR) is a frequent finding of ischemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM), associated with unfavourable prognosis. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms are involved in FMR, such as annular dilatation and dysfunction, left ventricle(LV) remodeling, dysfunction and dyssynchrony, papillary muscles displacement and dyssynchrony. The best therapeutic choice for FMR is still debated. When optimal medical treatment has already been set, a further option for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT) and/or surgical correction should be considered. CRT is able to contrast most of the pathophysiologic determinants of FMR by minimizing LV dyssynchrony through different mechanisms: Increasing closing forces, reducing tethering forces, reshaping annular geometry and function, correcting diastolic MR. Deformation imaging in terms of two-dimensional speckle tracking has been validated for LV dyssynchrony assessment. Radial speckle tracking and three-dimensional strain analysis appear to be the best methods to quantify intraventricular delay and to predict CRT-responders. Speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with mitral valve regurgitation has been usually proposed for the assessment of LV and left atrial function. However it has also revealed a fundamental role of intraventricular dyssynchrony in determining FMR especially in DCM, rather than in ischemic cardiomyopathy in which MR severity seems to be more related to mitral valve deformation indexes. Furthermore speckle tracking allows the assessment of papillary muscle dyssynchrony. Therefore this technique can help to identify optimal candidates to CRT that will probably demonstrate a reduction in FMR degree and thus will experience a better outcome.

Treatment of More Than Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Reconstruction

Objective:While evidence-based clinical guidelines recommend chordal-sparing mitral valve replacement,rather than mitral valve repair,in patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation(IMR)undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting,there are no similar recommendations for patients undergoing left ventricular reconstruction(LVR).This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of mitral valve repair and replacement in patients undergoing LVR complicated by more than moderate IMR.Methods:In this single-center cohort study,a total of 74 consecutive patients who underwent LVR and mitral valve surgery(repair group:59;replacement group:15),during the period from March 2000 to March 2021 at Fuwai Hospital(Beijing,China)were retrospectively enrolled.Survival rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.Univariate Cox analysis was performed to evaluate possible confounders,followed by adjustment in multivariate analysis.The primary outcome was survival free of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events(MACCE).Results:Median follow-up time was 59.4 months.Compared with mitral valve replacement,mitral valve repair was associated with increased risk of perioperative use of ventricular assist device(22.0%vs.0,P=0.045).There was no difference in overall survival(hazard ratio(HR),1.10;95%confidence interval(CI),0.31-3.93;Plogrank=0.888)and MACCE-free survival(HR,1.54;95%CI,0.65-3.65;Plogrank=0.319),even after multivariate Cox regression(HR,1.35;95%CI,0.37-4.88;PCox=0.646;and HR,1.41;95%CI,0.57-3.44;PCox=0.455,respectively).Furthermore,while no differences were observed in ejection fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter on follow-up echocardiography,mitral valve repair was associated with an increased risk of recurrent mitral regurgitation(P=0.041).Conclusions:In patients undergoing LVR complicated by more than moderate IMR,both concomitant mitral valve repair and replacement can be successfully achieved with comparable overall and MACCE-free survival outcomes;however,mitral valve replacement may be superior to mitral valve repair for persistent correction of mitral dysfunction.

Management of Mitral Regurgitation in a Patient Contemplating Pregnancy

Management of rheumatic mitral regurgitation in a woman contemplating pregnancy presents unique challenges for the clinician.When tasked with taking care of this type of patient,attention needs to be paid to the patient’s functional status to determine if symptoms are present.In addition to this clinical assessment,transthoracic echocardiography is also critical.It provides insight into the etiology of the mitral regurgitation,assesses for the presence of concomitant mitral stenosis or other valvular abnormalities,characterizes the severity of mitral regurgitation through an integrative approach and identifi es high risk findings including progressive left ventricular(LV)dilation and LV dysfunction.Surgical intervention is recommended for symptomatic patients and in asymptomatic patients with evidence of progressive LV dilation and a LV ejection fraction of less than 60%.While the presence of pulmonary hypertension and atrial fi brillation have been shown to be risk factors in degenerative mitral regurgitation,the same has not been demonstrated in rheumatic mitral valve disease.While mitral regurgitation may be reasonably well tolerated during pregnancy,symptomatic patients are at higher risk for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes,and therefore,it is recommended that mitral valve surgery be performed prior to pregnancy.Once the decision has been made to proceed to surgery,mitral repair,performed at a Heart Valve Center of Excellence is recommended if possible due to improved outcomes.Mitral valve repair is possible in>80%cases of rheumatic mitral regurgitation.If repair is not possible,replacement with either a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve are reasonable options.There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach and the choice of prosthesis should be a shared decision between the patient and her treatment team.

The Correlation of NT-Pro BNP with Echocardiographic Indices Including 3D Vena Contracta Width in the Assessment of Severity of Mitral Regurgitation

Introduction: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality. The use of multiple echocardiographic indices and hormonal parameters in combination can provide an accurate assessment of MR severity and LV dysfunction in most cases. Aim of study: The aim of this study was to correlate the levels of serum NT-pro BNP with various echocardiographic parameters including 3D vena contracta width in patients with MR. Methods: 74 Patients diagnosed with primary mitral regurgitation in sinus rhythm with no conduction disturbance were included in the study. 2D and Doppler echocardiography indices were calculated. A full-volume 3D color Doppler acquisition was obtained and 3D vena contracta width was calculated and serum BNP levels were obtained. Results: NT-pro BNP levels were increased with symptoms in patients with mitral regurgitation (NYHAI: 4.48 ± 0.06, NYHAII: 5.54 ± 0.78, NYHAIII: 6.68 ± 1.21 pg/ml, p 0.01). NT-pro BNP plasma levels were significantly correlated with MPI (r = 0.945, p 0.01), LVESV (r = 0.706, p 0.01), LVESVI (r = 0.677, p 0.01), LAVI (r = 0.709, p 0.01), MR 2D VC (r = 0.430, p 0.01), 3D VC (r = 0.441, p 0.01), PISA (r = 0.440, p 0.01) and negative correlation with LV ejection fraction (r = 0.846, p 0.01), dp/dt (r = 0.795, p BNP plasma level and LA jet area ratio (P = 0.33). It was observed that there was a significant correlation between 3D VC and PISA levels in patients of mitral regurgitation. However correlation is better in MR with central jet compared to eccentric jet in moderate and severe MR (r = 0.807, 0.817 vs r = 0.617, 0.572). Conclusion: This study showed that NT-pro BNP measurement has the same sensitivity and specificity as echocardiographic indices. Three-dimensional VCA may provide a reliable measurement of ROA, independent of geometric and flow assumptions.