Evaluation of microribonucleic acids as potential biomarkers in the bicuspid aortic valve-associated aortopathy.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the impact of microRNAs to predict the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV)-associated aortopathy. METHODS: Sixty-three BAV patients (mean age 47 ± 11 years, 92% men) with root dilatation, who underwent aortic valve ± proximal aortic surgery (mean post-AVR follow-up 10.3 ± 6.9 years) were included. The BAV aortopathy entities were categorized in the 'less dilated' (aortic root <50 mm) and 'severely dilated' (aortic root ≥50 mm) aorta. Several microRNAs were assessed using polymerase chain reaction. End-points were the correlation between microRNAs and severity of aortopathy/prevalence of adverse aortic events. RESULTS: Circulating levels of miR-17 and miR-106a were strongly correlated (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). Our analysis yielded significantly higher values of miR-17 (delta Ct 2.09 ± 0.64 vs delta Ct 1.68 ± 0.64, P = 0.02) and miR-106a (delta Ct 5.88 ± 0.43 vs delta Ct 5.61 ± 0.60, P = 0.046) in BAV patients with the less dilated versus the severely dilated aorta. miR-17 (delta Ct 1.51 ± 0.73 vs delta Ct 2.00 ± 0.61, P = 0.02) and miR-106a (delta Ct 5.39 ± 0.69 vs delta Ct 5.85 ± 0.44, P = 0.007) were significantly downregulated in BAV patients who experienced adverse aortic events. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of circulating miR-17 and miR-106a in the BAV root phenotype patients correlates with the severity of aortopathy and the risk of adverse aortic events. MicroRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers in the BAV-associated aortopathy.

Percutaneous left atrial unloading to prevent pulmonary oedema and to facilitate ventricular recovery under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Left-sided unloading during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is crucial to prevent pulmonary oedema and facilitate ventricular recovery. We present the case of a 55-year-old man under ECMO therapy with pre-existing left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation and in need of ventricular unloading. METHODS: We implanted a 21-Fr TandemHeart Protek Solo trans-septal cannula into the left atrium using a trans-septal approach via the femoral vein. The cannula was connected to the venous line of the ECMO circuit. A flow probe and a clamp to reduce flow, if necessary, were attached to the left atrium line. Left atrium flow was adjusted to 900 ml/min under transoesophageal echocardiography control to keep the atrial septum in the mid-line and to prevent suction of the inflow cannula. RESULTS: After 9 days, the patient was weaned step-wise from ECMO and the TandemHeart cannula, which was then explanted. The patient is in New York health Association Class II without neurological sequelae (Cerebral Performance Scale 1). After 3 months, the patient has fully recovered and is working daily. The LV function is still moderately impaired, and the size of the LV thrombus remains the same. The atrial septum shows no residual defect. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous trans-septal insertion of a TandemHeart cannula incorporated in an ECMO circuit for the prevention of pulmonary oedema and subsequent weaning from extracorporeal circulation was feasible and safe in a patient with cardiogenic shock and an LV thrombus.

Diagnostic accuracy study of routine echocardiography for bicuspid aortic valve: a retrospective study and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the standard procedure to distinguish tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) from bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Published studies assessed the accuracy of TTE for BAV under ideal conditions. Conversely, we aimed at assessing accuracy of TTE for BAV under routine conditions. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study of 216 adults included 132 men aged 62±14 years. Of these, 108 had BAV and 108 were age-matched individuals with TAV. All diagnoses were confirmed at surgery. We assessed TTE in two patient groups. First, in the (I) group of all 216 individuals, where we assessed accuracy for BAV according to the original diagnoses as documented by the primary investigators during original TTE examination. Second, we assessed accuracy for BAV according to expert re-evaluation in (II) all 158 TTE with availability of original recordings. Third, we performed a meta-analysis of published results on the accuracy of TTE for BAV according to PRISMA standards. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of (I) primary investigators was 46.3%, 97.2, and 71.8% as compared to (II) expert re-evaluation with 59.7%, 93%, and 77.8%, respectively. Sensitivity was significantly higher at re-evaluation (P<0.001). TTE at a non-tertiary care center (P=0.012), presence of aortic aneurysm (P=0.001) and presence of severe aortic valve calcification (P=0.003) predicted an inaccurate diagnosis of BAV. Conversely, meta-analysis of published TTE studies identified a pooled sensitivity of 87.7% and a pooled specificity of 88.3% for BAV. CONCLUSIONS: The current study shows that TTE yields almost ideal diagnostic accuracy when ideal investigators examine ideal patients. However, the study also shows that TTE yields suboptimal diagnostic accuracy under routine conditions. TTE in non-tertiary care settings, concomitant aortic aneurysm, and presence of severe aortic valve calcification predict an inaccurate diagnosis of BAV.

Mitral valve prolapse syndrome and MASS phenotype: Stability of aortic dilatation but progression of mitral valve prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve prolapse syndrome (MVPS) and MASS phenotype (MASS) are Marfan-like syndromes that exhibit aortic dilatation and mitral valve prolapse. Unlike in Marfan syndrome (MFS), the presence of ectopia lentis and aortic aneurysm preclude diagnosis of MVPS and MASS. However, it is unclear whether aortic dilatation and mitral valve prolapse remain stable in MVPS or MASS or whether they progress like in MFS. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal observational study examines clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis of 44 adults with MVPS or MASS (18 men, 26 women aged 38 ± 17 years) as compared with 81 adults with Marfan syndrome (MFS) with similar age and sex distribution. The age at final contact was 42 ± 15 years with mean follow-up of 66 ± 49 months. RESULTS: At baseline, ectopia lentis and aortic sinus aneurysm were absent in MVPS and MASS, and systemic scores defined by the revised Ghent nosology were lower than in MFS (all P < .001). Unlike in MFS, no individual with MVPS and MASS developed aortic complications (P < .001). In contrast, the incidence of endocarditis (P = .292), heart failure (P = .644), and mitral valve surgery (P = .140) was similar in all syndromes. Cox regression analysis identified increased LV end-diastolic (P = .013), moderate MVR (P = .019) and flail MV leaflet (P = .017) as independent predictors of mitral valve surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides evidence that MVPS and MASS are Marfan-like syndromes with stability of aortic dilatation but with progression of mitral valve prolapse. Echocardiographic characteristics of mitral valve disease rather than the type of syndrome, predict clinical progression of mitral valve prolapse.

The main pulmonary artery in adults: a controlled multicenter study with assessment of echocardiographic reference values, and the frequency of dilatation and aneurysm in Marfan syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic upper normal limits of both main pulmonary artery (MPA) diameters (MPA-d) and ratio of MPA to aortic root diameter (MPA-r) are not defined in healthy adults. Accordingly, frequency of MPA dilatation based on echocardiography remains to be assessed in adults with Marfan syndrome (MFS). METHODS: We enrolled 123 normal adults (72 men, 52 women aged 42 ± 14 years) and 98 patients with MFS (42 men, 56 women aged 39 ± 14 years) in a retrospective cross-sectional observational controlled study in four tertiary care centers. We defined outcome measures including upper normal limits of MPA-d and MPA-r as 95 quantile of normal persons, MPA dilatation as diameters > upper normal limits, MPA aneurysm as diameters >4 cm, and indication for surgery as MPA diameters >6 cm. RESULTS: MPA diameters revealed normal distribution without correlation to age, sex, body weight, body height, body mass index and body surface area. The upper normal limit was 2.6 cm (95% confidence interval (CI) =2.44-2.76 cm) for MPA-d, and 1.05 (95% CI = .86-1.24) for MPA-r. MPA dilatation presented in 6 normal persons (4.9%) and in 68 MFS patients (69.4%; P < .001), MPA aneurysm presented only in MFS (15 patients; 15.3%; P < .001), and no patient required surgery. Mean MPA-r were increased in MFS (P < .001), but ratios >1.05 were equally frequent in 7 normal persons (5%) and in 8 MFS patients (10.5%; P = .161). MPA-r related to aortic root diameters (P = .042), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .006), and increased pulmonary artery systolic pressures (P = .040). No clinical manifestations of MFS and no FBN1 mutation characteristics related to MPA diameters. CONCLUSIONS: We established 2.6 cm for MPA-d and 1.05 for MPA-r as upper normal limits. MFS exhibits a high prevalence of MPA dilatation and aneurysm. However, patients may require MPA surgery only in scarce circumstances, most likely because formation of marked MPA aneurysm may require LV dysfunction and increased PASP.

FBN1 gene mutation characteristics and clinical features for the prediction of mitral valve disease progression.

BACKGROUND: Until today, FBN1 gene mutation characteristics were not compared with clinical features for the prediction of mitral valve disease progression. METHODS: Therefore, we conducted a study of 116 patients (53 men, 63 women aged 33 ± 15 years) with a causative FBN1 gene mutation and ≤ moderate mitral valve regurgitation at baseline. RESULTS: During 7.4 ± 6.8 years 30 patients developed progression of mitral valve regurgitation ≥ 1 grade (primary endpoint), and 26 patients required mitral valve surgery (secondary endpoint). Cox regression analysis identified an association of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio (HR)=2.703; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.013-7.211; P=.047), left ventricular ejection fraction (HR=.970; 95%CI .944-.997; P=.032), indexed end-diastolic left ventricular diameter (HR=15.165; 95%CI 4.498-51.128; P<.001), indexed left atrial diameter (HR=1.107; 95%CI 1.045-1.173; P=.001), tricuspid valve prolapse (HR=2.599; 95%CI 1.243-5.437; P=.011), posterior leaflet prolapse (HR=1.075; 95%CI 1.023-1.130; P=.009), and posterior leaflet thickening (HR=3.368; 95%CI 1.265-8.968; P=.015) with progression of mitral valve disease, whereas none of the FBN1 gene mutation characteristics were associated with progression of mitral valve disease. However, Cox regression analysis identified a marginal relationship of FBN1 gene mutations located both in a transforming-growth-factor beta-binding protein-like (TGFb-BP) domain (HR=3.453; 95%CI .982-12.143; P=.053), and in the calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like (cbEGF) domain (HR=2.909; 95%CI .957-8.848; P=.060) with mitral valve surgery, a finding that was corroborated by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P=.014; and P=.041, respectively). CONCLUSION: Clinical features were better predictors of mitral valve disease progression than FBN1 gene mutation characteristics.

Ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve dysfunction in bicuspid aortic valve disease.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of aortic valve dysfunction and ascending aortic aneurysm is unclear in adults with bicuspid aortic valve disease. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 134 consecutive out-patients (98 men, 36 women aged 43 ± 18 years) with bicuspid aortic valve disease. To investigate the relationship of ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic valve dysfunction we exclusively considered severe pathologies that required treatment by surgical or percutaneous intervention. RESULTS: Of 134 patients, 39 had aortic valve dysfunction without concomitant ascending aortic aneurysm which had been treated previously with isolated valve surgery or percutaneous valvuloplasty comprising 25 patients with aortic stenosis (19%) and 14 patients with aortic regurgitation (10%). Conversely, 26 patients had ascending aortic aneurysm which had been treated previously with aortic surgery (19%). Of these, ascending aortic aneurysm was associated with severe aortic stenosis in 13 patients and with severe aortic regurgitation in 7 patients, whereas aneurysm was unrelated to severe aortic valve dysfunction in the remaining 6 patients including 2 without any degree of aortic valve dysfunction. The maximal aortic diameters were similar at the time of aortic surgery irrespective of presence of severe aortic valve dysfunction (P=.527). Other characteristics of patients with ascending aortic aneurysm were also similar irrespective of presence or type of aortic valve dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease exhibit ascending aortic aneurysm in conjunction with severe aortic valve dysfunction. However, in our study 6 of 134 (5%) of persons with bicuspid aortic valve disease developed ascending aortic aneurysm without aortic valve dysfunction.

Predictors of outcome of mitral valve prolapse in patients with the Marfan syndrome.

Mitral valve prolapse has a prevalence of 2% to 3% in the general population, with adverse outcomes such as mitral valve regurgitation (MVR), heart failure, and endocarditis. Predictors of outcomes are used in idiopathic mitral valve prolapse for the timing of surgery, but such predictors are unknown in Marfan syndrome. Therefore, a population-based cohort study of 112 patients (49 male, 63 female; mean age 34 ± 15 years) with classic Marfan syndrome and mitral valve prolapse with moderate or less MVR at baseline was conducted. During 4.6 ± 3.6 years of follow-up, progression of MVR was observed in 41 patients and valve-related events, which comprised mitral valve endocarditis (7 events), heart failure (5 events), and mitral valve surgery (25 events), were observed in 31 patients. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis identified a flail mitral leaflet (hazard ratio [HR] 3.262, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.406 to 7.566, p = 0.006) and increased indexed end-systolic left ventricular diameters (HR 1.113, 95% CI 1.043 to 1.188, p = 0.001) as independent predictors of progression of MVR. Similarly, mitral valve-related events were independently predicted by a flail mitral leaflet (HR 5.343, 95% CI 2.229 to 12.808, p <0.001), and mild (HR 14.336, 95% CI 1.873 to 109.755, p = 0.01) or moderate (HR 16.849, 95% CI 2.205 to 128.76, p = 0.006) degree of MVR. Conversely, aortic dilatation, dural ectasia, and sporadic mode of inheritance were not associated with outcome. In conclusion, the same clinical determinants that predict outcomes in idiopathic mitral valve prolapse also predict outcomes in mitral valve prolapse associated with Marfan syndrome.