A Case of Neonatal Marfan Syndrome Requiring Double Atrioventricular Valve Replacement due to Rapid Exacerbation of the Repaired Valves / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Neonatal Marfan syndrome is the most severe form of Marfan syndrome usually showing critical cardio-respiratory symptoms from the neonatal period or early infancy. We report a boy with this syndrome who presented with heart failure at 3 months of age and was referred to our department at 6 months old after intense medical treatment. He had enophthalmos, funnel chest, arachnodactyly, and Steinberg's thumb sign, but had no family history of Marfan syndrome or other cardiac diseases. Left ventricular dilatation, severe mitral regurgitation and moderate tricuspid regurgitation were noted on echocardiography. Mitral valvuloplasty and tricuspid annuloplasty were performed, and the regurgitation improved to trivial and mild level, respectively. However, rapid exacerbation of mitral regurgitation occurred, and the patient fell into circulatory collapse which needed circulatory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) on 18th postoperative day. In the emergency operation, the previous surgical procedures on the mitral valve were intact and we thought that rapid progression of the mitral annular dilatation and valve expansion to be the cause of exacerbation. Mitral valve replacement (Regent® 21 mm aortic) was performed, and the cardiac function improved, but ECMO was still needed because of the depressed respiratory function. Furthermore, tricuspid regurgitation due to annular dilatation and valve expansion was aggravated rapidly which needed tricuspid valve replacement (ATS® 20 mm mitral) 9 days after the mitral valve replacement. ECMO was ceased on the 37th day and the patient was extubated on 71st day. He was discharged from the hospital 5 months after the first operation. One year has passed after discharge, and he is doing well with anticoagulation. In the treatment of neonatal Marfan syndrome, surgical procedure for valve repair is still controversial and it should be remembered that rapid exacerbation of the atrioventricular valve can occur even after satisfactory valve repair and there should be no hesitation regarding surgical intervention when needed.

Short-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of the novel domestic transcatheter edge-to-edge repair Neonova? system in patients with mitral regurgitation / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate short-term safety, efficacy and the learning curve of this self-developed novel transcatheter valve repair system (Neonova?) in patients with mitral regurgitation, and explore the role of perioperative echocardiography.Methods:Ten patients who visited the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2021 to March 2022 and met the inclusive criteria were prospectively enrolled. All the patients were at high risk of surgery with moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Clamps of Neonova? were implanted under guidance of transesophageal echocardiography and digital subtraction angiography. Clinical outcomes, echocardiography indexes and learning curves of this technique were evaluated immediately after intervention, 7 d, 1 month and 3 months post-intervention.Results:The technical success rate was 100% with MR relieved in all patients immediately after intervention. The device and procedural success rates were both 90.0% with 1 patient received surgical replacement at 37 days post-intervention while the others′ reduced to mild (8/9) and moderate (1/9) MR. New York Heart Association class and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire improved significantly (all P<0.001). Mean mitral valve pressure gradient didn′t increase significantly after intervention when compared with that before intervention( P=0.324), and no mitral stenosis was observed. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased significantly ( P=0.008) during follow up.Procedure duration ranged from 60 to 300 (175.8±75.2)minutes. The simple linear regression model between procedure volume and duration showed that procedure duration decreased significantly with the increase of procedure volume ( F=15.857, P=0.004). Conclusions:Neonova? implantation can improve MR severity and clinical symptoms safely and effectively. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography are essential for perioperative management of transcatheter mitral valve repair.

Mitral Valve Repair for Failed MitraClip: a Case Report / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

The patient was an 89-year-old male who underwent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair to the mitral valve using MitraClip for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) one year earlier. Although two clips were implanted, grade III/IV MR still remained. As his heart failure progressed, he was referred to us for surgery. The patient also had aortic stenosis. He underwent mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement. The postoperative course was uneventful. He was transferred to the referring hospital on postoperative day 14. When performing MitraClip for degenerative MR, it is important to consider carefully not only the operative risk for open surgery but also the anatomical adequacy of MitraClip. When MitraClip fails to control MR, early surgical intervention should be considered.

Presentación inusual del síndrome de Lutembacher / Unusual presentation of Lutembacher’s syndrome

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Lutembacher corresponde a la asociación de un defecto interauricular (congénito o iatrogénico) e insuficiencia o estenosis mitral (congénita o adquirida). La etiología reumática es la causa más frecuente del compromiso mitral. Tiene una prevalencia reportada de 0.001 por cada 1.000.000 habitantes. Caso clínico: Paciente femenina de 6 años con cuadro de 10 meses de palpitaciones asociadas a dolor torácico. Se realizó un electrogardiograma en el que se evidenció bloqueo incompleto de la rama derecha del haz de His y prolongación del intervalo PR, además de un ecocardiograma en el que se visualizó una comunicación interauricular tipo ostium secundum no restrictiva de 28 mm, con cortocircuito de izquierda a derecha, dilatación del ventrículo derecho, prolapso de válvula mitral, valvas engrosadas e insuficiencia mitral moderada a grave. Se realizó plastia de válvula mitral y cierre quirúrgico de la comunicación interauricular, sin complicaciones. Durante el seguimiento se encuentra asintomática desde el punto de vista cardiovascular, en manejo farmacológico. Conclusiones: La asociación Lutembacher tiene una prevalencia de 0.001/1.000.000 habitantes; la mayoría tiene etiología reumática. La paciente no tiene historia de fiebre reumática y sería la paciente más joven reportada en la literatura con síndrome de Lutembacher.

Abstract Introduction: Lutembacher’s syndrome corresponds to the association of an atrial septal defect (congenital or iatrogenic) and mitral regurgitation or stenosis (congenital or acquired), with rheumatic etiology being the most-frequent cause of mitral regurgitation. It has a reported prevalence of 0.001 for every 1,000,000 inhabitants. Clinical case: Female patient six years of age with a 10-month condition of palpitations associated with chest pain. An electrocardiogram was performed with evidence of incomplete right His bundle branch block and PR interval prolongation; additionally, an echocardiogram showed 28-mm non-restrictive ostium secundum atrial septal defect, with left-to-right shunt, right ventricular dilation, mitral valve prolapse, thickened valves, and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve plasty and surgical closure of the atrial septal defect were performed, without complications. During follow-up, she was asymptomatic from the cardiovascular point of view, under pharmacological management. Conclusions: Lutembacher’s association has a prevalence of 0.001/1´000.000 inhabitants; the majority with rheumatic etiology. Our patient has no history of rheumatic fever and would be the youngest patient reported in the literature with Lutembacher’s syndrome.

Insuficiencia mitral congénita en el adulto: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Congenital mitral regurgitation in adults: a case report and literature review

Congenital mitral valve disease is a rare form of mitral regurgitation. The etiological diagnosis is often challenging. The transthoracic echocardiogram is presented as a good initial approach method. The case of a 29-year-old patient referred for the diagnosis of severe congenital mitral regurgitation in parachute is presented. This report aims to illustrate the clinical and echocardiographic presentation of congenital mitral regurgitation.

Treatment strategy of mechanical hemolysis after mitral valve repair / 医学研究生学报

Objective　In recent yaers, mitral valve repair has been widely used in the surgical treatment of congenital and secondary mitral valve lesions. To investigate the mechanism and treatment strategy of mechanical hemolysis after mitral valve repair.　Methods　A total of 451 consecutive patients registrated in general hospital of southern theatre command who underwent mitral valve repair surgery between August 2010 and June 2018,of whom 16(3.5%) had complicated mechanical hemolysis(hemoglobinuria, jaundice, anemia), were retrospectively analyzed. Echocardiographic examination showed that there were 3 cases of mild mitral regurgitation(MR), 9 cases of moderate MR and 4 cases of severe MR, among which 75% of mitral regurgitation flow were rapid regurgitant jets (Vmax>4m/s). According to the treatment strategy,all cases were divided into two groups: the aggressive reoperation group（n=10）,patients received re-repair procedures within 1 week after hemolysis diagnosis. The conservative treatment group(n=6), patients received symptomatic treatment of hemodialysis, blood transfusion, diuresis, alkalization of urine, liver protection and oral metoprolol et al. All patients were followed up for 2 to 36 months, with an average (16±7.5) months, and the postoperative echocardiographic results, hemolysis symptom improvement and cardiac function were compared.　Results　No death occurred in the two groups after operation. The symptoms of patients in the aggressive reoperation group receded rapidly and discharged from hospital. 4 patients in the conservative treatment group received reoperation 3~11 weeks after surgery due to poor treatment effect (1 patient underwent re-repair and 3 patients underwent replacement), the other 2 patients received long-term conservative treatment. The cardiac function of the patients undergoing reoperation was maintained at level I~II. Echocardiographic examination showed that mild MR(n=10), mild~moderate MR(n=3), and no recurrence of mechanical hemolysis. Two patients with long-term conservative treatment, mild~moderate anemia, urinogen +~++, moderate MR, cardiac function at level II, were in a subclinical hemolytic state.　Conclusion　Mechanical hemolysis frequently occurs immediately or soon after mitral valve repair. Hemoglobinuria, jaundice, anemia and postoper echocardiography found the mitral regurgitant flow with high-shear stress, these helpful to the diagnosis. Surgery is an important factor affecting hemolysis. Hemolysis can be a sign of surgical failure, re-repair operation is the best treatment as soon as possible after the hemolysis has been diagnosed.Conservative treatment is not the priority choice.

A Calcified Amorphous Tumor Causing Mitral Valve Perforation and Ruptured Chordae Tendineae / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is a non-neoplastic mass characterized by calcified nodules that was first reported in 1997. It is often associated with dialysis or mitral annular calcification (MAC). CAT is considered a risk factor for systemic embolism, but there has been no report of CAT damaging the native valve tissue and leading to valvular disease. An 81-year-old woman had shortness of breath on exertion starting 1 year previously, and was referred to our hospital with cardiac murmur detected on physical examination. Echocardiography showed evidence of severe mitral valve regurgitation with ruptured chordae tendineae of the posterior leaflet and a poorly mobile club-shaped structure protruding into the left ventricle and appearing to be continuous with MAC. She underwent elective mitral valve repair. A club-shaped calcification originating from MAC was found under the P2 segment, with ruptured P2 chordae tendineae immediately above it and mitral perforation in the contralateral A2 segment, which were likely to have resulted from direct damage by the hard structure. Mitral valve repair was successful with mass resection, triangular resection of the posterior leaflet P2 segment, and closure of the perforation. Histopathological findings of the mass were consistent with CAT, with no evidence of infection or malignancy. CAT may not only cause embolism but also grow while damaging the native valve tissue. It is important to closely follow-up and perform surgery in proper timing.

A complexity scoring system using echocardiography for repair of degenerative mitral valve regurgitation / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To evaluate a score system to allow stratification of complexity in degenerative mitral valve repair. Methods     We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 312 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for mitral valve repair and whose preoperative echocardiography was referable in our hospital from January 2012 to December 2013. A scoring system for surgical complexity was used based mainly on the preoperative echocardiography findings. Complexity of mitral valve repair was scored as 1 to 9, and patients were categorized into 3 groups based on the score for surgical complexity: a simple group (1 point), an intermediate group (2-4 points) and a complex group (≥5 points). There were 86 males and 35 females in the simple group (n=121) with an average age of 51.6±12.6 years, 105 males and 53 females in the intermediate group (n=158) with an average age of 51.1±12.8 years and 25 males and 8 females in the complex group (n=33) with an average age of 49.3±13.0 years. Results     There was significant difference in surgical complexity in different groups. In the simple, intermediate and complex groups, the mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 111.7±45.5 min, 117.7±40.4 min and 153.4±74.2 min (P<0.001), the mean cross-clamping time was 77.5±33.8 min, 83.2±29.9 min and 108.8±56.2 min (P<0.001), and the mean number of repair techniques utilized was 2.1±0.4, 2.4±0.6 and 2.8±0.8 (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the early and late outcomes in different groups. Conclusion     It is feasible to use echocardiography to quantitatively evaluate the difficulty of mitral valvuloplasty.

Beating Heart Mitral Valve Replacement via Right Thoracotomy for Ischemic Mitral Valve Regurgitation after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Reoperative valve surgery is known to be more complex and associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially for patients with patent coronary artery bypass grafts. A 69-year old man with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting was referred to our hospital with breathing difficulties and a heart murmur. Bypass grafts were all patent, but due to severe ischemic mitral valve regurgitation, we performed beating heart mitral valve replacement via right thoracotomy. The procedure was performed with video assistance, and both the anterior and the posterior chordae tendineae were preserved. The postoperative course was uneventful. He was discharged 7 days after surgery without any complications. This technique is a safe and feasible option for a mitral valve reoperation that avoids graft injuries, minimizes the risks of bleeding, and shortens the operative time.

A Review of the Use of Cardiac Computed Tomography for Evaluating the Mitral Valve before and after Mitral Valve Repair

The role of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for evaluating the mitral valve (MV) has been limited since echocardiography is the main method of evaluation. However, recent advances in cardiac CT have enable detailed evaluation of the anatomy and geometry of the MV. We describe assessments of the anatomy and coaptation geometric parameters of normal MVs, and also review repair of diseased/damaged MV. We also discuss pre- and post-surgical imaging of MV pathology using cardiac CT and various CT images. We found that cardiac CT could be used as an alternative imaging modality to echocardiography for pre-operative MV evaluation and to predict clinical outcomes following repair.

A Review of the Use of Cardiac Computed Tomography for Evaluating the Mitral Valve before and after Mitral Valve Repair

The role of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for evaluating the mitral valve (MV) has been limited since echocardiography is the main method of evaluation. However, recent advances in cardiac CT have enable detailed evaluation of the anatomy and geometry of the MV. We describe assessments of the anatomy and coaptation geometric parameters of normal MVs, and also review repair of diseased/damaged MV. We also discuss pre- and post-surgical imaging of MV pathology using cardiac CT and various CT images. We found that cardiac CT could be used as an alternative imaging modality to echocardiography for pre-operative MV evaluation and to predict clinical outcomes following repair.

A Case of Mitral Valve Revision Surgery Necessitated by Systolic Anterior Motion of the Mitral Valve after Initial Repair / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

<p>Systolic anterior motion (SAM) is a common complication of mitral valve repair surgery and occasionally requires further treatment. A 56-year-old woman with severe mitral regurgitation accompanied by posterior leaflet prolapse underwent mitral valve plasty including hour-glass-shaped resection, chordal replacement, and interrupted commissural band annuloplasty. The mitral valve was exposed via a right-sided left atriotomy. We found a large thick P2-3 scallop (27 mm in height) with ruptured and elongated chordae. After repair, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed SAM of the anterior mitral leaflet and severe mitral regurgitation upon weaning from the cardiopulmonary bypass. Although catecholamine was discontinued and volume loading applied, the SAM did not improve. We decided to revise the mitral plasty. Therefore, although the height of the P3 scallop after resection remained 17 mm, neochordae were placed once more on the basal side of the posterior leaflet, and the leaflet was shortened by placing a continuous suture near the annulus. This reduced the height of the posterior leaflet and moved the co-aptation line posteriorly. After this repair, TEE showed that the SAM had disappeared. Thus, repositioning the neochordae and shortening the posterior leaflet by applying a continuous suture effectively and rapidly eliminated the problem.</p>

Predicting Left Ventricular Dysfunction after Surgery in Patients with Chronic Mitral Regurgitation: Assessment of Myocardial Deformation by 2-Dimensional Multilayer Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The development of postoperative left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is a frequent complication in patients with chronic severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) and portends a poor prognosis. Assessment of myocardial deformation enables myocardial contractility to be accurately estimated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative regional LV contractile function assessment using two-dimensional multilayer speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D MSTE) analysis in patients with chronic severe MR with preserved LV systolic function. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-three consecutive patients with chronic severe MR with preserved LV systolic function scheduled for mitral valve replacement (MVR) or MV repair were prospectively enrolled. Serial echocardiographic studies were performed before surgery, at 7 days follow-up, and at least 3 months follow-up postoperatively. The conventional echocardiographic parameters were analyzed. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was obtained quantitatively by 2D MSTE. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 51.7±14.3 years and 25 (58.1%) were male. In receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the most useful cutoff value for discriminating postoperative LV remodeling in severe MR with normal LV systolic function was -20.5% of 2D mid-layer GLS. Patients were divided into two groups by the baseline GLS -20.5%. Preoperative GLS values strongly predicted postoperative LV remodeling or LV dysfunction. The postoperative degree of decrease in LV end-diastolic dimension might be an additive predictive factor. CONCLUSION: STE can be used to predict a decrease in LV function after MVR in patients with chronic severe MR. This promising method could be of use in the clinic when trying to decide upon the optimum time to schedule surgery for such patients.

Circular Left Atrial Resection Technique for Left Atrial Volume Reduction in Children : Report of Two Cases / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Giant left atrium (LA) in association with mitral valve disease is a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity. It may cause obstruction of the bronchus, pulmonary artery, inferior vena caval orifice, or left ventricle, and has also required prolonged hospital stay. We describe our experience of left atrial reduction by means of circular LA resection concomitant with mitral valve plasty in 2 children with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and giant LA. Case 1 was a 1-year-old boy, who had severe MR and giant LA, presenting with left bronchial obstruction. He underwent mitral valve plasty and circular LA resection. His LA volume, which was calculated using enhanced chest CT examination, was decreased by 23% postoperatively, comparing that before the operation. The cardiothoracic ratio on chest X-ray changed from 60% to 49%, and his sequential symptoms from giant LA disappeared. His postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged on postoperative day 21. Case 2 was a 12-year-old girl with severe MR and giant LA. Her LA together with the sternum and spine compressed the right atrium and caused right heart failure. She underwent mitral valve plasty and circular LA resection. Her LA volume was decreased by preoperative 22%. Cardiothoracic ratio on chest X-ray changed from 63% to 57%. Her sequential symptoms from giant LA disappeared. Her postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged 28 days after the operation. The circular LA resection technique reduced LA volume effectively, and the patients became free of clinical symptoms. Even in children, this procedure should be indicated in selective cases who presented clinical symptoms caused by the expanded LA.

Artificial chordae transplantation and saddle ring annuloplasty in the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Artificial chordae transplantation and saddle ring annuloplasty are the key steps in mitral valvuloplasty. However, there are no large-size studies addressing the safety, validity and efficacy of these treatments in China. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the efficacy and safety of artificial chordae transplantation and saddle ring annuloplasty in the treatment of degenerative mitral regurgitation. METHODS:Eighty-five patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation underwent mitral valve repair with artificial chordae (Gore-Tex sutures) transplantation and saddle ring (SJMTM rigid saddle-shaped) annuloplasty from January 2009 to May 2013 in General Hospital of Shenyang Area Military Command, China. Operative technique included simple artificial chordae transplantation in 41 cases, artificial chordae transplantation plus quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet in 22 cases, artificial chordae transplantation plus quadrangular resection of the posterior leaflet and sliding technique in 23 cases. Al cases received saddle ring annuloplasty. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fol ow-up after treatment was done among 78 patients for 6 months to 4 years, with a fol ow-up rate of 91.7%(78/85). Among the 78 cases, one case died of cerebral infarction after 13 months, one died from accident, and the remaining 76 were alive. According to the evaluation of cardiac function (NYHA), 59 cases were in grade I and 17 cases were in grade II. Color ultrasound displayed that, no regurgitation was found in 67 cases, and mild regurgitation in 9 cases. The echocardiography showed that postoperative left atrium diameter (P<0.05 or P<0.01), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (P<0.05 or P<0.01), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the ratio of regurgitation beam area and left atrial area (P<0.05 or P<0.01), mean pulmonary artery pressure (P<0.05 or P<0.01) were significantly decreased compared with that before operation. Ejection fraction was significantly increased after operation (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No systolic anterior motion occurred. The postoperative complications included sinus bradycardia in 12 cases and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in 25 cases, late cardiac tamponade in 1 case at 1 week postoperatively, and pacemarker implantation in 1 case (who exhibited bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome before operation). There was no ring rupture, ring avulsion, hemolysis, left ventricular outflow tract infarction and artificial chordae rupture or splitting. No cases needed reoperation on valve replacement. Application of artificial chordae transplantation and saddle ring annuloplasty is a safe and effective means for treating degenerative mitral regurgitation, with excellent midterm outcomes.

Estudo do padrão respiratório e movimento toracoabdominal em valvopatia mitral / Study of breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal movement in mitral valve disease

FUNDAMENTO: pacientes com valvopatia mitral podem evoluir com congestão pulmonar, que aumenta o trabalho dos músculos respiratórios; essa sobrecarga pode alterar o padrão respiratório com predomínio do deslocamento torácico ou presença de movimentos paradoxais. OBJETIVO: a) estudar o padrão respiratório e movimento toracoabdominal (MTA) em pacientes com doença mitral b) estudar o efeito do posicionamento nos parâmetros respiratórios c) correlacionar hipertensão pulmonar com presença de incoordenação do MTA. MÉTODOS: o padrão respiratório e o MTA de pacientes com doença mitral foram avaliados por pletismografia respiratória por indutância, nas posições dorsal e sentada, durante dois minutos de respiração tranquila. Analisou-se volume corrente (Vc) e tempos respiratórios e as variáveis do MTA. RESULTADOS: de 65 pacientes incluídos, 10 foram retirados, 29 participaram do grupo estenose mitral e 26 do grupo insuficiência mitral. O Vc, a ventilação pulmonar e o fluxo inspiratório médio aumentaram significantemente na posição sentada, sem diferenças entre os grupos. O MTA manteve-se coordenado entre os grupos e as posições; no entanto, cinco pacientes na posição dorsal apresentaram incoordenação (três no grupo estenose mitral; dois no grupo insuficiência mitral) com correlação significante com valores de pressão de artéria pulmonar (r = 0,992, p = 0,007). CONCLUSÃO: o padrão respiratório e o MTA não apresentam diferenças entre pacientes com estenose ou insuficiência mitral. A posição sentada aumenta o Vc sem alterar os tempos respiratórios. A presença de incoordenação toracoabdominal na posição dorsal esteve associação à hipertensão pulmonar.

BACKGROUND: patients with mitral valve disease can progress to having pulmonary congestion, which increases the work the respiratory muscles. This overload can change the breathing pattern with a predominance of rib cage displacement or presence of paradoxical movements. OBJECTIVE: a) to study the breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal movement of patients with mitral valve disease; b) to study the effect of body position on breathing parameters; and c) to correlate pulmonary hypertension with lack of coordination of thoracoabdominal movement. METHODS: the breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal movement of patients with mitral valve disease were assessed using respiratory inductive plethysmography during quiet breathing in the dorsal decubitus and sitting positions for two minutes. The variables assessed were tidal volume, breathing time and thoracoabdominal movement. RESULTS: of the 65 patients selected, 10 were excluded, 29 were in the mitral stenosis group and 26 in the mitral regurgitation group. Tidal volume, pulmonary ventilation and mean inspiratory flow significantly increased in the sitting position, with no difference between the groups. The thoracoabdominal movement remained coordinated in all groups and positions; except for five patients in the dorsal decubitus position, who lacked coordination (three in the mitral stenosis group; two in the mitral regurgitation group). A significant correlation with pulmonary artery pressure values was observed (r = 0.992; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: No difference in breathing pattern or thoracoabdominal movement was found between patients with mitral stenosis and regurgitation. The sitting position increased tidal volume without altering breathing times. The lack of coordination of the thoracoabdominal movement in the dorsal decubitus position was associated with pulmonary hypertension.

Repair of Acute Post Infarction Mitral Regurgitation with Papillary Muscle Reimplantation: A case report

A 53-year-old man presenting with dyspnea and chest pain was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction secondary to occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. Urgent revascularization by percutaneous stenting was successfully performed. However, the post-echocardiography revealed a ruptured papillary muscle that was causing severe mitral regurgitation and aggravation of congestive heart failure. The patient subsequently underwent mitral valve repair with papillary muscle re-implantation. Postoperative echocardiography showed a competent mitral valve without residual stenosis or regurgitation. The patient was discharged from the hospital with an uneventful recovery and has been doing well on outpatient follow up.

Repair of Acute Post Infarction Mitral Regurgitation with Papillary Muscle Reimplantation: A case report

A 53-year-old man presenting with dyspnea and chest pain was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction secondary to occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery. Urgent revascularization by percutaneous stenting was successfully performed. However, the post-echocardiography revealed a ruptured papillary muscle that was causing severe mitral regurgitation and aggravation of congestive heart failure. The patient subsequently underwent mitral valve repair with papillary muscle re-implantation. Postoperative echocardiography showed a competent mitral valve without residual stenosis or regurgitation. The patient was discharged from the hospital with an uneventful recovery and has been doing well on outpatient follow up.

Long-term Influence of Mild to Moderate Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation after Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to review the long-term prognosis of patients with preoperative mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We prospectively followed 1,000 consecutive and systematic off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting patients who were operated on between September 1996 and March 2004; follow-up was achieved for 97%. Sixty-seven patients (6.7%) had mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation at the time of surgery. Operative mortality, actuarial survival and major adverse cardiac event free survival were compared to assess the effect of ischemic mitral regurgitation. RESULT: Average follow-up was 66+/-22 months. Patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation were older (p<0.001), had lower ejection fractions (p<0.001) and more comorbidities. Significantly more female patients presented with ischemic mitral regurgitation (p=0.002). There was no significant difference in operative mortality and perioperative myocardial infarction in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (p=0.25). Eight-year survival was decreased in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (39.6+/-11.8% vs 76.7+/-2.2%, p<0.001). However, after correcting for risk factors, mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation was not found to be a significant independent risk factor for long-term mortality (p=0.42). Major adverse cardiac event free survival at 8 years was significantly lower in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (53+/-12% vs 77+/-2%, p<0.001). After correction for risk factors, ischemic mitral regurgitation remained a significant independent cause of major adverse cardiac events (HR: 2.31), especially congestive heart failure and recurrent myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: In our series, patients with preoperative mild to moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation had a higher prevalence of preoperative risk factors than patients without ischemic mitral regurgitation. They had comparable perioperative mortality and morbidity, but, in the long term, were found to be at elevated risk for recurrent cardiac events.

Mid-Term Results of Mitral Valve Repair Using a Partial Flexible Band and a Completely Rigid Ring in Patients with Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: We evaluated mid-term results of mitral annuloplasty using a flexible band and a completely rigid ring for mitral valve repair in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 2004 to September 2008, 71 patients (M:F=36:35, 55+/-13 years) underwent mitral valve repair with mitral annuloplasty for degenerative MR. Ring annuloplasty was done using a Cosgrove-Edwards flexible band (Group I, n=43) or a Carpentier-Edwards classic ring (Group II, n=28). There were no differences in preoperative characteristics of the participants. Average duration of follow-up was 36 months (range: 2~69 mos). RESULT: There was no in-hospital mortality. Postoperative morbidity, which included atrial fibrillation (n=7) and low cardiac output syndrome (n=5) in groups I and II were similar. There was one late death in group II. The proportion exhibiting freedom from recurrent mitral regurgitation (> or =moderate) at 4 years in Groups I and II were, respectively, 94.5 and 91.8%, (p=0.695). Left ventricular ejection fraction decreased in the early postoperative period (7+/-2 days) and recovered by last follow-up (25+/-16 mos; p=0.002). The pattern was similar in groups I and II (p=0.905). Re-operation was performed in 3 patients (1 in Group I and 2 in Group II, p=0.316). Four-year event-free survival (free of adverse valve-related events) was 95.2% for Group I and 92.6% for Group II; this difference was not significant, p=0.646). CONCLUSION: The type of technique used in mitral annuloplasty to repair the mitral valve repair after degenerative MR did not affect mid-term clinical and functional results.