ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Preoperative left ventricular (LV) end-systolic dimension (LVESD) ≥5.0 cm is a class IIa indication for surgical intervention for aortic insufficiency (AI); however, the effect of LV dilatation on the longevity of the aortic valve (AV) has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative LV dimension on the long-term outcome of AV preservation surgery. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2019, 256 patients underwent AV preservation surgery at a single center. The median duration of follow-up was 5 years. The primary outcome was the development of >1+ AI at 6 years; secondary outcomes include long-term mortality, freedom from >2+ AI, and freedom from AV reoperation. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to identify predictors of AV deterioration. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 0.8%, and mean survival at 8 years was 85.5 ± 3.4%. Mean freedom from >1+ AI at 6 years was 71.1 ± 3.4%. Patients with preoperative indexed LVESD (LVESDi) ≥2.0 cm/m2 were at greater risk of developing >1+ AI at 6 years compared with patients with preoperative LVESDi of 1.5 to 1.9 cm/m2 and ≤1.4 cm/m2 (50.3 ± 0.1% vs 80.9 ± 0.1% vs 92.2 ± 0.1%, respectively; P < .01). On risk-adjusted multivariable analysis, preoperative LVESDi was an independent predictor for recurrence of >1+ AI (hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-3.4). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative LVESDi ≥2 cm/m2 is associated with increased risk of recurrent >1+ AI following AV preservation surgery. Further investigation of the appropriate operative threshold for AI may be warranted.
