Design and rationale of the inferior vena CAVA and Lung UltraSound-guided therapy in Acute Heart Failure (CAVAL US-AHF Study): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Between 25% and 30% of patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) are readmitted within 90 days after discharge, mostly due to persistent congestion on discharge. However, as the optimal evaluation of decongestion is not clearly defined, it is necessary to implement new tools to identify subclinical congestion to guide treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung ultrasound (CAVAL US)-guided therapy for AHF patients reduces subclinical congestion at discharge. METHODS: CAVAL US-AHF is a single-centre, single-blind randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate if an IVC and lung ultrasound-guided healthcare strategy is superior to standard care to reduce subclinical congestion at discharge. Fifty-eight patients with AHF will be randomised using a block randomisation programme that will assign to either lung and IVC ultrasound-guided decongestion therapy ('intervention group') or clinical-guided decongestion therapy ('control group'), using a quantitative protocol and will be classified in three groups according to the level of congestion observed: none or mild, moderate or severe. The treating physicians will know the result of the test and the subsequent adjustment of treatment in response to those findings guided by a customised therapeutic algorithm. The primary endpoint is the presence of more than five B-lines and/or an increase in the diameter of the IVC, with and without collapsibility. The secondary endpoints are the composite of readmission for HF, unplanned visit for worsening HF or death at 90 days, variation of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at discharge, length of hospital stay and diuretic dose at 90 days. Analyses will be conducted as between-group by intention to treat. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and registered in the PRIISA.BA platform of the Ministry of Health of the City of Buenos Aires. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04549701.

Durabilidad a largo plazo de la cirugía reparadora de la válvula mitral con insuficiencia de tipo degenerativo / Long-term Durability of Mitral Valve Repair Surgery for Degenerative Regurgitation

RESUMEN Introducción: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los resultados alejados de la reparación de la válvula mitral (VM) con insuficiencia de tipo degenerativo. Material y Métodos: Entre enero 2008 y diciembre 2019 se efectuó cirugía reparadora de la VM en 457 pacientes con insuficiencia mitral grave (IM). La edad promedio fue 64,9 ± 12,2 años, y 61,1% eran de sexo masculino. El seguimiento clínico mediana 3,0 (RIC 4,1 años) se completó en el 98,7% de los pacientes. Se efectuaron estudios ecocardiográficos de seguimiento en forma periódica, se analizó la sobrevida, la recurrencia de IM moderada-grave en forma global y según el tipo de valva afectada, y la necesidad de re intervención en el seguimiento alejado. Resultados: A 10 años de seguimiento la sobrevida alejada fue elevada sin diferencias significativas según la valva afectada: valva posterior 95 ± 2,1%, y valva anterior 94 ± 2,2% (p=0,54). El grupo de pacientes con clase funcional preoperatoria III/IV (n = 142) presentó mayor mortalidad al seguimiento: 13,9 ± 4,1% vs. 2,7% ± 1,2% (p = 0,001). El porcentaje de recurrencia de IM moderada-grave al finalizar el seguimiento para el grupo total de pacientes fue del 14,6 ± 4,3% y el periodo de libertad de recurrencia según valva afectada fue elevado sin diferencia significativas: valva posterior 90 ± 3,4% y valva anterior 80 ± 8,5 (p = 0,97). Por último, la necesidad de reintervención en el seguimiento post reparación fue del 4,7 ± 3,3 % Conclusiones: la sobrevida alejada post reparación de IM es elevada y la necesidad de reintervención poco frecuente. Existe un aumento progresivo en la recurrencia de IM en el seguimiento alejado.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term results of degenerative mitral valve regurgitation (MR) repair. Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2019, 457 patients (mean age 64.9±12.2 years; 61.1% men) with severe MR underwent MV repair surgery. Median follow-up was 3.0 years (IQR 4.1 years) and was completed in 98.7% of patients. Periodic echocardiographic studies were performed, and long-term survival, the recurrence rate of moderate-severe MR and the need for reintervention were analyzed. Results: At 10-year follow-up, long-term survival was high without significant differences according to the affected leaflet: between posterior leaflet 95±2.1%, and anterior leaflet 94±2.2% (p=0.54). Patients with preoperative functional class III/IV (n=142) presented higher mortality at follow-up: 13.9±4.1% vs. 2.7%±1.2% (p=0.001). The risk of recurrence for moderatesevere MR at the end of follow-up for the total group of patients was 14.6±4.3% and freedom from recurrence according to the affected leaflet was high without significant difference: posterior leaflet 90±3.4% and anterior leaflet 80 ± 8.5 (p=0.97). Finally, the need for reoperation in post-repair follow-up was 4.7±3.3% Conclusions: Long-term survival after MV repair is high and the need for reoperation is infrequent. There is a progressive increase in MR recurrence at the long-term follow-up.

Shone's syndrome: Insights from three-dimensional echocardiography.

Shone's syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly defined as the presence of at least two of the following heart obstructions: a mitral supravalvular ring, a "parachute" mitral valve stenosis, subaortic stenosis, and aortic coarctation. A 58-year-old man presented with a mitral ring and a "parachute" mitral valve on two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, raising suspicion of Shone's syndrome. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography revealed a subannular mitral ring inserted directly on the mitral leaflets, thus acting as a "valvar ring." This distinction can have therapeutic implications as a "valvar" mitral ring could require valve repair or replacement, instead of simple resection.

Three-dimensional echocardiography for predicting postoperative ventricular volumes after surgical ventricular reconstruction of left ventricular aneurysm: A case-based presentation.

Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) may have a role in predicting final left ventricular volumes and clinical response after the surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) of left ventricular aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. Left ventricle final volumes can be calculated through "virtual aneurysmectomy." We present a patient with a huge ventricular dilation combined with myocardial dissection, localized wall rupture, and aneurysm of the left ventricular apex after acute myocardial infarction in which accurate predictions from 3DTTE suggest potential clinical value.

Resultados a largo plazo de la plástica mitral en enfermedad degenerativa: prolapso posterior versus anterior o bivalvar / Long-Term Outcomes of Mitral Valve Repair in Degenerative Valve Disease: Comparison Between Posterior and Anterior or Bileaflet Mitral Valve Prolapse

Objetivo: Comparar la evolución clínica y ecocardiográfica de la plástica mitral secundaria a insuficiencia mitral degenerativa en pacientes con prolapso de la valva posterior versus prolapso anterior o bivalvar. Material y métodos: Entre abril de 1997 y julio de 2013 fueron intervenidos 255 pacientes por insuficiencia mitral moderada/ grave degenerativa. De ellos, 175 tenían compromiso de la valva posterior exclusivamente (Grupo 1) y 80 de la valva anterior 0 bivalvar (Grupo 2). No hubo diferencias en edad ni predominio de sexo entre los grupos. El seguimiento clínico se completó en el 95% de los casos con un promedio de 5,6 ± 3,8 años y el ecocardiográfico en el 77% con un promedio de 4,8 ± 3,7 años. Resultados: El éxito del procedimiento se alcanzó en el 87% de los casos (33 conversiones intraoperatorias a reemplazo valvular) (Grupo 1: 98% vs. Grupo 2: 62,5%; p < 0,01). La mortalidad hospitalaria global fue del 2,3% (6/255). La sobrevida a los 10 años fue del 92,0 ± 2,1% (Grupo 1: 94,4% ± 2,2% vs. Grupo 2: 86,3 ± 5,1%; p = 0,036). La libertad de reoperación a 10 años de seguimiento fue del 95,6 ± 1,6% (Grupo 1: 97,1 ± 1,4% vs. Grupo 2: 89,7 ± 5,0%; p = 0,035). La libertad de insuficiencia mitral moderada/grave en el ecocardiograma a los 10 años fue del 79,0 ± 4,4% (Grupo 1: 80,8 ± 4,8% vs. Grupo 2: 71,9 ± 9,6%; p = 0,14). El 91,2% de los pacientes se encontraban libres de síntomas a los 10 años (92% Grupo 1 vs. 89,3% Grupo 2; p = 0,5). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con plástica mitral secundaria a enfermedad degenerativa de la valva posterior tuvieron mayor sobrevida y una incidencia menor de reoperación en el seguimiento alejado. No hubo diferencias en libertad de insuficiencia mitral moderada/grave entre ambos grupos a 10 años de seguimiento.

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and echocardiographic outcome of mitral valve repair secondary to degenerative mitral valve regurgitation in patients with posterior versus anterior or bileaflet mitral valve prolapse. Methods: Between April 1997 and July 2013, 255 patients underwent surgery for moderate to severe degenerative mitral valve regurgitation: 175 had posterior mitral valve prolapse (Group 1) and 80 had anterior or bileaflet mitral valve prolapse (Group 2). There were no differences in age or sex between the groups. Clinical follow-up was completed in 95% of the cases with a mean follow-up period of 5.6 ± 3.8 years and 77% completed echocardiographic follow-up with a mean of 4.8 ± 3.7 years. Results: The procedure was successful in 87% of cases (33 intraoperative conversions to mitral valve replacement) (Group 1: 98% vs. Group 2: 62.5%; p < 0.01). Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.3% (6/255), and 10-year survival was 92.0 ± 2.1% (Group 1: 94.4% ± 2.2% vs. Group 2: 86.3 ± 5.1%; p = 0.036). At 10-year follow-up, 95.6 ± 1.6% of patients were free from reoperation (Group 1: 97.1 ± 1.4% vs. Group 2: 89.7 ± 5.0%; p = 0.035), 79.0 ± 4.4% remained free from moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (Group 1: 80.8 ± 4.8% vs. Group 2: 71.9 ± 9.6%; p = 0.14) and 91.2% were asymptomatic (92% Group 1 vs. 89.3% Group 2; p = 0.5). Conclusions: Patients undergoing mitral valve repair secondary to degenerative posterior mitral valve prolapse had higher survival and lower incidence or reoperation in the long-term follow-up. There were no differences in freedom from moderate to severe mitral regurgitation between both groups at 10-year follow-up.

Resultados a largo plazo de la plástica mitral en enfermedad degenerativa: prolapso posterior versus anterior o bivalvar / Long-Term Outcomes of Mitral Valve Repair in Degenerative Valve Disease: Comparison Between Posterior and Anterior or Bileaflet Mitral Valve Prolapse

Objetivo: Comparar la evolución clínica y ecocardiográfica de la plástica mitral secundaria a insuficiencia mitral degenerativa en pacientes con prolapso de la valva posterior versus prolapso anterior o bivalvar. Material y métodos: Entre abril de 1997 y julio de 2013 fueron intervenidos 255 pacientes por insuficiencia mitral moderada/ grave degenerativa. De ellos, 175 tenían compromiso de la valva posterior exclusivamente (Grupo 1) y 80 de la valva anterior 0 bivalvar (Grupo 2). No hubo diferencias en edad ni predominio de sexo entre los grupos. El seguimiento clínico se completó en el 95% de los casos con un promedio de 5,6 ± 3,8 años y el ecocardiográfico en el 77% con un promedio de 4,8 ± 3,7 años. Resultados: El éxito del procedimiento se alcanzó en el 87% de los casos (33 conversiones intraoperatorias a reemplazo valvular) (Grupo 1: 98% vs. Grupo 2: 62,5%; p < 0,01). La mortalidad hospitalaria global fue del 2,3% (6/255). La sobrevida a los 10 años fue del 92,0 ± 2,1% (Grupo 1: 94,4% ± 2,2% vs. Grupo 2: 86,3 ± 5,1%; p = 0,036). La libertad de reoperación a 10 años de seguimiento fue del 95,6 ± 1,6% (Grupo 1: 97,1 ± 1,4% vs. Grupo 2: 89,7 ± 5,0%; p = 0,035). La libertad de insuficiencia mitral moderada/grave en el ecocardiograma a los 10 años fue del 79,0 ± 4,4% (Grupo 1: 80,8 ± 4,8% vs. Grupo 2: 71,9 ± 9,6%; p = 0,14). El 91,2% de los pacientes se encontraban libres de síntomas a los 10 años (92% Grupo 1 vs. 89,3% Grupo 2; p = 0,5). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con plástica mitral secundaria a enfermedad degenerativa de la valva posterior tuvieron mayor sobrevida y una incidencia menor de reoperación en el seguimiento alejado. No hubo diferencias en libertad de insuficiencia mitral moderada/grave entre ambos grupos a 10 años de seguimiento.(AU)

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and echocardiographic outcome of mitral valve repair secondary to degenerative mitral valve regurgitation in patients with posterior versus anterior or bileaflet mitral valve prolapse. Methods: Between April 1997 and July 2013, 255 patients underwent surgery for moderate to severe degenerative mitral valve regurgitation: 175 had posterior mitral valve prolapse (Group 1) and 80 had anterior or bileaflet mitral valve prolapse (Group 2). There were no differences in age or sex between the groups. Clinical follow-up was completed in 95% of the cases with a mean follow-up period of 5.6 ± 3.8 years and 77% completed echocardiographic follow-up with a mean of 4.8 ± 3.7 years. Results: The procedure was successful in 87% of cases (33 intraoperative conversions to mitral valve replacement) (Group 1: 98% vs. Group 2: 62.5%; p < 0.01). Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.3% (6/255), and 10-year survival was 92.0 ± 2.1% (Group 1: 94.4% ± 2.2% vs. Group 2: 86.3 ± 5.1%; p = 0.036). At 10-year follow-up, 95.6 ± 1.6% of patients were free from reoperation (Group 1: 97.1 ± 1.4% vs. Group 2: 89.7 ± 5.0%; p = 0.035), 79.0 ± 4.4% remained free from moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (Group 1: 80.8 ± 4.8% vs. Group 2: 71.9 ± 9.6%; p = 0.14) and 91.2% were asymptomatic (92% Group 1 vs. 89.3% Group 2; p = 0.5). Conclusions: Patients undergoing mitral valve repair secondary to degenerative posterior mitral valve prolapse had higher survival and lower incidence or reoperation in the long-term follow-up. There were no differences in freedom from moderate to severe mitral regurgitation between both groups at 10-year follow-up.(AU)