Global, Regional, and National Burden of Calcific Aortic Valve and Degenerative Mitral Valve Diseases, 1990-2017.

BACKGROUND: Nonrheumatic valvular diseases are common; however, no studies have estimated their global or national burden. As part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), degenerative mitral valve disease, and other nonrheumatic valvular diseases were estimated for 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017. METHODS: Vital registration data, epidemiologic survey data, and administrative hospital data were used to estimate disease burden using the Global Burden of Disease Study modeling framework, which ensures comparability across locations. Geospatial statistical methods were used to estimate disease for all countries, because data on nonrheumatic valvular diseases are extremely limited for some regions of the world, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Results accounted for estimated level of disease severity as well as the estimated availability of valve repair or replacement procedures. DALYs and other measures of health-related burden were generated for both sexes and each 5-year age group, location, and year from 1990 to 2017. RESULTS: Globally, CAVD and degenerative mitral valve disease caused 102 700 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 82 700-107 900) and 35 700 (95% UI, 30 500-42 500) deaths, and 12.6 million (95% UI, 11.4 million-13.8 million) and 18.1 million (95% UI, 17.6 million-18.6 million) prevalent cases existed in 2017, respectively. A total of 2.5 million (95% UI, 2.3 million-2.8 million) DALYs were estimated as caused by nonrheumatic valvular diseases globally, representing 0.10% (95% UI, 0.09%-0.11%) of total lost health from all diseases in 2017. The number of DALYs increased for CAVD and degenerative mitral valve disease between 1990 and 2017 by 101% (95% UI, 79%-117%) and 35% (95% UI, 23%-47%), respectively. There is significant geographic variation in the prevalence, mortality rate, and overall burden of these diseases, with highest age-standardized DALY rates of CAVD estimated for high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: These global and national estimates demonstrate that CAVD and degenerative mitral valve disease are important causes of disease burden among older adults. Efforts to clarify modifiable risk factors and improve access to valve interventions are necessary if progress is to be made toward reducing, and eventually eliminating, the burden of these highly treatable diseases.

Characteristic Histopathological Findings and Cardiac Arrest Rhythm in Isolated Mitral Valve Prolapse and Sudden Cardiac Death.

Background The association between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and sudden death remains controversial. We aimed to describe histopathological changes in individuals with autopsy-determined isolated MVP (iMVP) and sudden death and document cardiac arrest rhythm. Methods and Results The Australian National Coronial Information System database was used to identify cases of iMVP between 2000 and 2018. Histopathological changes in iMVP and sudden death were compared with 2 control cohorts matched for age, sex, height, and weight (1 group with noncardiac death and 1 group with cardiac death). Data linkage with ambulance services provided cardiac arrest rhythm for iMVP cases. From 77 221 cardiovascular deaths in the National Coronial Information System database, there were 376 cases with MVP. Individual case review yielded 71 cases of iMVP. Mean age was 49±18 years, and 51% were women. Individuals with iMVP had higher cardiac mass (447 g versus 355 g; P<0.001) compared with noncardiac death, but similar cardiac mass (447 g versus 438 g; P=0.64) compared with cardiac death. Individuals with iMVP had larger mitral valve annulus compared with noncardiac death (121 versus 108 mm; P<0.001) and cardiac death (121 versus 110 mm; P=0.002), and more left ventricular fibrosis (79% versus 38%; P<0.001) compared with noncardiac death controls. In those with iMVP and witnessed cardiac arrest, 94% had ventricular fibrillation. Conclusions Individuals with iMVP and sudden death have increased cardiac mass, mitral annulus size, and left ventricular fibrosis compared with a matched cohort, with cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation. The histopathological changes in iMVP may provide the substrate necessary for development of malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Early outcomes of mitral valvuloplasty by minimally invasive surgery or sternotomy.

BACKGROUND: Disagreement exists regarding methods for repair of the mitral valve. We compared early outcomes of mitral valvuloplasty by a minimally invasive technique and by a median sternotomy. METHODS: The data of 507 patients (mean age 47.9 ± 15.2 years) undergoing mitral valvuloplasty from January 2015 to June 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. In the study group (n = 225), mitral valvuloplasty via a totally thoracoscopic approach was performed by a single surgeon. In the control group (n = 282), mitral valvuloplasty via the traditional median sternotomy was carried out by other cardiac surgeons in our hospital. Clinical data, surgical results, and follow-up findings in the two groups were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: In the study group, the blood transfusion rate (5.3% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.05) and incidences of poor wound healing (0 vs. 5.3%, p < 0.05) and respiratory tract infection (4.4% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.05) were lower, and postoperative hospitalization was shorter (5.9 ± 4.0 vs. 10.7 ± 8.4 days, p < 0.05). Within 30 days after surgery, no patient died in the study group while one died in the control group. The duration of follow-up was 12-36 months (mean 22.9 ± 8.8 months). During follow-up, there were 1 and 0 cases of redo surgery and 1 and 3 deaths in the study group and control group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Mitral valvuloplasty via a minimally invasive approach is superior to the traditional median sternotomy in terms of early outcomes, especially when performed by experienced surgeons.

Prognostic Value of Global Longitudinal Strain and Etiology After Surgery for Primary Mitral Regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate whether left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) is associated with long-term outcome after mitral valve (MV) surgery for primary mitral regurgitation (MR) and assess the differences in outcome according to MR etiology: Barlow's disease (BD), fibroelastic deficiency (FED), and forme fruste (FF). BACKGROUND: Appropriate timing of MV surgery for primary MR is still challenging and may differ according to the etiology. In these patients, LV-GLS has been proposed as more sensitive measure to detect subtle LV dysfunction as compared with LV ejection fraction. METHODS: Echocardiography was performed in 593 patients (64% men, age 65 ± 12 years) with severe primary MR who underwent MV surgery, including assessment of LV-GLS. The etiology (BD, FED, or FF) was defined based on surgical observation. During follow-up, primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and a secondary endpoint included cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalizations, and cerebrovascular accidents. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 6.4 (interquartile range: 3.6 to 10.4) years, 146 patients died (16 within 30 days after surgery), 46 patients were hospitalized for heart failure, and 13 patients had a cerebrovascular accident. Age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05 to 1.11; p < 0.001) and LV-GLS (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.21; p < 0.001) were independently associated with all-cause mortality. Patients with LV-GLS >-20.6% (more impaired) showed significant worse survival than did patients with LV-GLS ≤-20.6%; of interest, patients with BD showed similar prognosis compared with FED and FF. In addition, previous atrial fibrillation (HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.86; p = 0.045) and LV-GLS (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.15; p = 0.019) were independently associated with the secondary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: LV-GLS is independently associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events after MV surgery for primary MR and might be helpful to guide surgical timing. Importantly, patients with BD showed similar prognosis when corrected for age, compared with patients with FED or FF.

Gender-related differences in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve interventions in clinical practice: 1-year results from the German TRAMI registry.

OBJECTIVES: Information on gender-related differences in terms of baseline characteristics and clinical outcome of patients undergoing MitraClip® implantation in daily clinical practice have been studied in smaller populations previously. This study sought to additionally evaluate gender-related differences in a larger German real-world patient population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed data from the prospective and multicenter German TRAMI Registry. Between 08/2010 and 07/2013 327 women and 501 men underwent MitraClip® implantation for significant mitral valve regurgitation. Female patients were significantly older and showed higher rates of frailty compared to men. In contrast, men had significantly higher rates of comorbidities compared to women. The majority of patients underwent MitraClip® implantation for secondary mitral regurgitation, with no significant gender-related differences. MitraClip® treatment was equally effective in terms of procedural results and residual mitral regurgitation in women and men and complication rates were low. However, in this real-world analysis severe bleeding complications were significantly higher in women (p = .02) and re-intervention rates were significantly higher in men after MitraClip® treatment (p = .02). Women showed less improvement in functional NYHA class after MitraClip® treatment compared to men at 1-year follow-up (FU; p < .001). No significant differences between female and male patients were found in 1-year mortality and in re-hospitalization rates. CONCLUSION: In this analysis from a large prospective, multicenter real-world registry MitraClip® implantation is safe and effective for treatment of significant mitral regurgitation with equal postprocedural results and mortality rates during 1-year follow-up. Men and women showed a persisting and significant clinical benefit at 1-year FU after treatment. Complication and re-intervention rates were low. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate our findings on increased bleeding complications and decreased functional improvement in women at 1-year follow-up after MitraClip® therapy.

Long-term outcomes of chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures to repair mitral leaflet prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the durability of mitral valve (MV) repair for mitral regurgitation using chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures to correct leaflet prolapse. METHODS: Isolated chordal replacement was used to correct prolapse in 186 (24.9%) patients and combined with leaflet resection in 560 (75.1%). Patients were followed prospectively with periodical clinical and echocardiographic assessments for a median follow-up of 11 years (range, 7-16 years). RESULTS: Patients' median age was 58 years (range, 48-67 years) and 516 (69.2%) were men. Bileaflet prolapse was present in 63% of patients and advanced myxomatous degeneration was present in 32%. The number of neochords per repaired valve increased over time and was not associated with MV reoperation or recurrent mitral regurgitation. The cumulative incidence of MV reoperation with death as a competing risk was 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-6.0) at 20 years. Multivariable analysis revealed that previous cardiac operations (hazard ratio, 5.70; 95% CI, 1.96-16.53; P = .001), and isolated anterior leaflet prolapse (hazard ratio, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.106-13.91; P = .034) were associated with increased hazard of MV reoperation. The probability of recurrent moderate or severe mitral regurgitation using repeated measures regression models was 14.1% (95% CI, 10.3-19.0) at 20 years. Variables associated with recurrent MR in multivariable regression analysis were left ventricular ejection <40% (hazard ratio, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.37-9.32; P = .009) and preoperative complete heart block (hazard ratio, 5.90; 95% CI, 2.47-14.09; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Chordal replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sutures provides stable MV function in most patients during the first 2 decades of follow-up.

Mitral valve repair for posterior leaflet prolapse: Long-term comparison of loop implantation vs resection.

BACKGROUND: Resection (triangular or quadrangular) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of posterior leaflet prolapse and loop implantation a more recent alternative. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of triangular or quadrangular resection vs loop implantation. METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective analysis of mitral valve (MV) surgeries conducted from January 2005 to December 2015. Propensity score matching was based on seven key baseline variables. RESULTS: Data from 721 patients were analyzed; 358 patients received loop implantation and 363 patients underwent resection. Patients had a mean age of 62 years, 33.0% were female and 50.6% had hypertension. Propensity score matching resulted in a matched group of 263 patients who received loop implantation or underwent resection, respectively. Postoperatively, the patients' mitral insufficiency was reduced from grade III/IV to either zero or trace (45.8%) or I (49.8%) and New York Heart Association class reduced from 66.9% in class III/IV preoperatively to 8.3% with no significant differences between groups. Fewer patients receiving loops had procedure-related complications. Fewer patients in the loop implantation group required permanent pacemaker implantation at 30 days (8.4% vs 2.3%; P = .002). The 10-year survival for patients in the resection (88.0%) and loop implantation (89.3%) groups had a hazard ratio of 1.224 (95% confidence interval, 0.633-2.367). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that both loop implantation and resection were associated with comparable long-term survival in patients with posterior leaflet prolapse. Loop implantation is associated with a significantly higher rate of a successful repair, a significantly lower rate of MV replacement after repair failure, fewer procedure-related complications and better 30-day at comparable long-term outcomes.

Mitral Valve Prolapse, Ventricular Arrhythmias, and Sudden Death.

Despite a 2% to 3% prevalence of echocardiographically defined mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in the general population, the actual burden, risk stratification, and treatment of the so-called arrhythmic MVP are unknown. The clinical profile is characterized by a patient, usually female, with mostly bileaflet myxomatous disease, mid-systolic click, repolarization abnormalities in the inferior leads, and complex ventricular arrhythmias with polymorphic/right bundle branch block morphology, without significant regurgitation. Among the various pathophysiologic mechanisms of electrical instability, left ventricular fibrosis in the papillary muscles and inferobasal wall, mitral annulus disjunction, and systolic curling have been recently described by pathological and cardiac magnetic resonance studies in sudden death victims and patients with arrhythmic MVP. In addition, premature ventricular beats arising from the Purkinje tissue as ventricular fibrillation triggers have been documented by electrophysiologic studies in MVP patients with aborted sudden death. The genesis of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in MVP probably recognizes the combination of the substrate (regional myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, Purkinje fibers) and the trigger (mechanical stretch) eliciting premature ventricular beats because of a primary morphofunctional abnormality of the mitral valve annulus. The main clinical challenge is how to identify patients with arrhythmic MVP (which imaging technique and in which patient) and how to treat them to prevent sudden death. Thus, there is a necessity for prospective multicenter studies focusing on the prognostic role of cardiac magnetic resonance and electrophysiologic studies and on the therapeutic efficacy of targeted catheter ablation and mitral valve surgery in reducing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, as well as the role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators for primary prevention.

Impact of Preoperative Left Atrial Dimension on Outcome in Patients in Sinus Rhythm Undergoing Surgical Valve Repair for Severe Mitral Regurgitation due to Mitral Valve Prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) enlargement has been previously identified as a predictor of mortality in patients with medically managed mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP). No study has specifically assessed the prognostic value of LA size in patients undergoing mitral valve repair (MVRp). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationship between LA area and mortality in patients in sinus rhythm (SR) undergoing MVRp for MVP. METHODS: We included 305 patients in SR who underwent MVRp for MVP. Median follow-up time was 7.9 years. Patients were divided into 3 groups: LA area ≤25 cm2 (reference group), LA 26-30 cm2, and LA >30 cm2. RESULTS: Compared with patients with an LA area ≤25 cm2, those with an LA area >30 cm2 had a lower 10-year survival (98 ± 2 vs. 86 ± 4%; p = 0.037). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for established outcome predictors including age, symptoms, EuroSCORE, and left ventricular size and function, LA enlargement >30 cm2 was associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.03-4.90; p = 0.042), whereas LA enlargement between 26 and 30 cm2 was not (adjusted HR = 1.37, 95% CI 0.56-3.56; p = 0.52). CONCLUSION: LA enlargement is independently predictive of long-term mortality after MVRp in patients in SR with severe MR due to MVP. Our findings suggest that MVRp should be considered before the LA area exceeds 30 cm2.

Surgical Atrioventricular Valve Replacement With Melody Valve in Infants and Children.

Background Pediatric patients with atrioventricular valve disease have limited options for prosthetic valve replacement in sizes <15 mm. Based on successful experience with the stented bovine jugular vein graft (Melody valve) in the right ventricular outflow tract, the prosthesis has been modified for surgical valve replacement in pediatric patients with atrioventricular dysfunction with the intention of subsequent valve expansion in the catheterization laboratory as the child grows. Methods and Results A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed among patients who underwent atrioventricular valve replacement with Melody valve at 17 participating sites from North America and Europe, including 68 patients with either mitral (n=59) or tricuspid (n=9) replacement at a median age of 8 months (range, 3 days to 13 years). The median size at implantation was 14 mm (range, 9-24 mm). Immediately postoperatively, the valve was competent with low gradients in all patients. Fifteen patients died; 3 patients underwent transplantation. Nineteen patients required reoperation for adverse outcomes, including valve explantation (n=16), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n=1), permanent pacemaker implantation (n=1), and paravalvular leak repair (n=1). Twenty-five patients underwent 41 episodes of catheter-based balloon expansion, exhibiting a significant decrease in median gradient ( P<0.001) with no significant increase in grade of regurgitation. Twelve months after implantation, cumulative incidence analysis indicated that 55% of the patients would be expected to be free from death, heart transplantation, structural valve deterioration, or valve replacement. Conclusions The Melody valve is a feasible option for surgical atrioventricular valve replacement in patients with hypoplastic annuli. The prosthesis shows acceptable short-term function and is amenable to catheter-based enlargement as the child grows. However, patients remain at risk for mortality and structural valve deterioration, despite adequate early valvular function. Device design and implantation techniques must be refined to reduce complications and extend durability. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02505074.

Mitral Valve Prolapse and Sudden Cardiac Death: A Systematic Review.

Background The relationship between mitral valve prolapse ( MVP ) and sudden cardiac death ( SCD ) remains controversial. In this systematic review, we evaluate the relationship between isolated MVP and SCD to better define a potential high-risk subtype. In addition, we determine whether premortem parameters could predict SCD in patients with MVP and the incidence of SCD in MVP . Methods and Results Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed and Embase for all English literature articles published between 1960 and 2018 regarding MVP and SCD or cardiac arrest. We also identified articles investigating predictors of ventricular arrhythmias or SCD and cohort studies reporting SCD outcomes in MVP . From 2180 citations, there were 79 articles describing 161 cases of MVP with SCD or cardiac arrest. The median age was 30 years and 69% of cases were female. Cardiac arrest occurred during situations of stress in 47% and was caused by ventricular fibrillation in 81%. Premature ventricular complexes on Holter monitoring (92%) were common. Most cases had bileaflet involvement (70%) with redundancy (99%) and nonsevere mitral regurgitation (83%). From 22 articles describing predictors for ventricular arrhythmias or SCD in MVP , leaflet redundancy was the only independent predictor of SCD . The incidence of SCD with MVP was estimated at 217 events per 100 000 person-years. Conclusions Isolated MVP and SCD predominantly affects young females with redundant bileaflet prolapse, with cardiac arrest usually occurring as a result of ventricular arrhythmias. To better understand the complex relationship between MVP and SCD , standardized reporting of clinical, electrophysiological, and cardiac imaging parameters with longitudinal follow-up is required.

"Respect when you can, resect when you should": A realistic approach to posterior leaflet mitral valve repair.

OBJECTIVE: Avoiding resection to treat posterior leaflet prolapse has become popular to repair degenerative mitral regurgitation. We never subscribed to such simplification but advocated an alternative approach based on the "respect when you can, resect when you should" concept. The present study reviewed posterior leaflet prolapse in degenerative disease with the aim to expose the 10-year experience with this surgical policy, in particular long-term outcomes such as survival, recurrent/severe mitral regurgitation, and reoperation. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2015, 701 consecutive patients with severe mitral regurgitation underwent mitral valve repair in 2 distinct institutions. Mitral regurgitation was degenerative in 441 patients, of whom the 376 with posterior leaflet prolapse constituted the study population. Patients were followed up by echocardiograms until December 2017. Longitudinal data stratified by institution were analyzed by mixed-effects models. Outcome measures were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier test. RESULTS: Patients with posterior leaflet prolapse (24.7% isolated P2 and 75.3% P2 associated with other segments) were aged 65.8 ± 13 years, and 70.5% were male. Median follow-up was 61.1 months. There were 3 hospital deaths (0.8%). Reoperation was necessary in 7 patients (1.9%). After 1, 5, and 10 years, overall survival was 97.8%, 93.6%, and 86.7%, respectively; the overall survival of the proportion of patients with recurrent/residual >2+ mitral regurgitation was estimated at 0.7%, 1.9%, and 5.9% and that of patients with New York Heart Association III/IV at 0.8%, 1.9%, and 5.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The "resect with respect" approach yields low operative mortality, no systolic anterior motion, good surface of coaptation, and low incidence of residual/recurrent mitral regurgitation and of reoperation, thus supporting resection when required concept.

Clinical Outcome of Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation: Critical Importance of Echocardiographic Quantitative Assessment in Routine Practice.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic quantitation of degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) is recommended whenever possible in clinical guidelines but is criticized and its scalability to routine clinical practice doubted. We hypothesized that echocardiographic DMR quantitation, performed in routine clinical practice by multiple practitioners, predicts independently long-term survival and thus is essential to DMR management. METHODS: We included patients diagnosed with isolated mitral valve prolapse from 2003 to 2011 and any degree of mitral regurgitation quantified by any physician/sonographer in routine clinical practice. Clinical/echocardiographic data acquired at diagnosis were retrieved electronically. The end point was mortality under medical treatment analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and proportional hazard models. RESULTS: The cohort included 3914 patients (55% male) mean age (±standard deviation) 62±17 years with left ventricular ejection fraction 63±8% and median after routinely-measured effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) [interquartile range], 19 [0-40] mm2. During follow-up (6.7±3.1 years), 696 patients died under medical management, and 1263 underwent mitral surgery. In multivariate analysis, routinely-measured EROA was associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.24; P<0.0001 per 10 mm2) independently of left ventricular ejection fraction and end-systolic diameter, symptoms, and age/comorbidities. The association between routinely-measured EROA and mortality persisted with competitive risk modeling (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.20; P<0.0001 per 10 mm2), or in patients without guideline-based class I/II surgical triggers (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.28; P<0.0001 per 10 mm2) and in all subgroups examined (all P<0.01). Spline curve analysis showed that, compared with general population mortality, excess mortality appears for moderate DMR (EROA ≥20 mm2), becomes notable at EROA ≥30 mm2, and steadily increases with higher EROA levels (eg, higher EROA levels beyond the 40 mm2 threshold). CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic DMR quantitation is scalable to routine practice and is independently associated with clinical outcome. Routinely-measured EROA is strongly associated with long-term survival under medical treatment. Excess mortality versus the general population appears in the moderate DMR range and steadily increases with higher EROA. Hence, individual EROA values should be integrated into therapeutic considerations, in addition to categorical DMR grading.

Prognostic value of echocardiographic indices of left atrial morphology and function in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic relevance of left atrial (LA) morphological and functional variables, including those derived from speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), has been little investigated in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prognostic value of several echocardiographic variables, with a focus on LA morphological and functional variables in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). ANIMALS: One-hundred and fifteen dogs of different breeds with MMVD. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Conventional morphologic and echo-Doppler variables, LA areas and volumes, and STE-based LA strain analysis were performed in all dogs. A survival analysis was performed to test for the best echocardiographic predictors of cardiac-related death. RESULTS: Most of the tested variables, including all LA STE-derived variables were univariate predictors of cardiac death in Cox proportional hazard analysis. Because of strong correlation between many variables, only left atrium to aorta ratio (LA/Ao > 1.7), mitral valve E wave velocity (MV E vel > 1.3 m/s), LA maximal volume (LAVmax > 3.53 mL/kg), peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS < 30%), and contraction strain index (CSI per 1% increase) were entered in the univariate analysis, and all were predictors of cardiac death. However, only the MV E vel (hazard ratio [HR], 4.45; confidence interval [CI], 1.76-11.24; P < .001) and LAVmax (HR, 2.32; CI, 1.10-4.89; P = .024) remained statistically significant in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The assessment of LA dimension and function provides useful prognostic information in dogs with MMVD. Considering all the LA variables, LAVmax appears the strongest predictor of cardiac death, being superior to LA/Ao and STE-derived variables.

Should annuloplasty prosthesis be selected dependent on the location of prolapse in mitral valve repair for type II dysfunction?

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the influence of prosthesis selection on long-term outcomes in patients who underwent mitral valve repair for mitral insufficiency (MI) due to type II dysfunction. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 452 patients with MI who underwent mitral valve repair for type II dysfunction between 2001 and 2014. Of these, 167 patients (37%) presented with anterior leaflet prolapse (anterior group) and 285 (63%) presented with posterior prolapse (posterior group). Full rings were applied in 95 patients (57%) in the anterior group and in 54 patients (19%) in the posterior group, and partial bands were applied in all others. We compared long-term outcome and change of MI severity over time between patients with partial-band and full-ring repair in the anterior and in the posterior groups using a mixed-effect model with repeated measures and propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: Ten-year survival of the cohort was 90.5%. Echocardiography revealed MI ≥ 3 at follow-up in 58 patients (12.8%). Twenty-one patients (4.6%) required reoperation; freedom from reoperation was 92.1% at 10 years. The MI severity over time in patients in the anterior group was higher than that in patients in the posterior group (P < .0001). Moreover, MI severity over time in patients with the partial band was higher than patients with the full ring in the anterior group (P = .0176). Propensity score-matched analysis in the anterior group, but not in the posterior group, revealed a significantly higher MI severity in patients with the partial band than those with the full ring over the study period (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Full-ring annuloplasty is indicated in the setting of anterior prolapse to prevent recurrent MI, whereas prosthesis type is not a determinant of recurrent MI in the setting of posterior prolapse.

Minimally invasive or conventional edge-to-edge repair for severe mitral regurgitation due to bileaflet prolapse in Barlow's disease: does the surgical approach have an impact on the long-term results?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the adoption of a right minithoracotomy operative approach had an impact on the long-term results of edge-to-edge (EE) repair compared to conventional sternotomy in patients with Barlow's disease and bileaflet prolapse. METHODS: We assessed the long-term results of 104 patients with Barlow's disease treated with a minimally invasive EE technique. An equal number of patients had a conventional median sternotomy EE repair for the same disease and were used as a control group. The inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to create comparable distributions of the covariates that were significantly different at baseline in the two groups. We performed a comparative analysis of the groups. RESULTS: No hospital deaths were observed. Follow-up was 99.5% complete (median 11.3 years). The cumulative incidence function (CIF) of cardiac death at 12 years, with noncardiac death as a competing risk, showed no difference between the two groups ( P = 0.87). At 12 years, the CIF of recurrent MR ≥ 3+, with death as the competing risk, was 7% in the sternotomy group and 5% in the minimally invasive group ( P = 0.30), and the CIF of recurrence of MR ≥ 2+ was 15 and 14%, respectively ( P = 0.63). The type of surgical approach was not a predictor of cardiac death, reoperation, recurrent MR ≥ 3+ or recurrent MR ≥ 2+. CONCLUSIONS: A minimally invasive approach does not have a negative impact on the effectiveness and long-term durability of the EE repair for bileaflet prolapse in Barlow's disease. Long-term outcomes are excellent, and valvular performance remains stable over time with no evidence of mitral stenosis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of chordal replacement versus leaflet resection for isolated posterior mitral valve prolapse.

INTRODUCTION: Chordal replacement (Chord MVr) for isolated posterior mitral valve prolapse allows for preservation of the native mitral valve apparatus. The potential benefits of this approach, as compared with leaflet resection (Resection), are not clearly defined. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on operative, clinical, and echocardiographic outcomes. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel method under a fixed or random effects model, as appropriate. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Eight studies were included, with a total of 1922 patients (Chord MVr, N.=835; Resection, N.=1087). Baseline characteristics were similar, except for a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation in the Chord MVr group (15.5% versus 9.9%, P=0.03), and a slightly greater mitral regurgitation grade in the Resection group (3.5 versus 3.4, P=0.008). P2 segment prolapse was the most common pathology, however, patients undergoing Chord MVr had a higher incidence of multi-segment prolapse (32.1% versus 13.9%, P=0.0006). There was no difference in operative mortality (1.1% for both) or perioperative complications. At a mean follow-up of 2.9±2.8 years (median=2.8 years, IQR 1.6-4.4), Chord MVr was associated with a lower risk of reoperation (1.1% versus 4.3%; RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.56, P=0.0007), and similar survival and recurrence of moderate mitral regurgitation, when compared with Resection. Finally, a lower transmitral gradient (2.5 versus 2.8 mmHg, P=0.0004) and larger orifice area (3.2 versus 3.0 cm2, P=0.002) were observed with Chord MVr. CONCLUSIONS: At 2.9-year follow-up, Chord MVr for isolated posterior mitral valve prolapse was associated with a lower reoperation rate and favorable valve hemodynamics, when compared with leaflet resection.

Mitral regurgitation after previous aortic valve surgery for bicuspid aortic valve insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Regurgitant bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are reported to be associated with myxomatous degeneration of the anterior mitral leaflet. We examined the risk of late new-onset mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients who underwent aortic valve/aortic root surgery for BAV regurgitation and concomitant root dilatation. METHODS: A total of 97 consecutive patients (47±11 years, 94% men) were identified from our institutional BAV database (N.=640) based on the following criteria: 1) BAV regurgitation; 2) aortic root diameter >40 mm; 3) no relevant mitral valve disease (i.e., MR<2+) and no simultaneous mitral intervention at the time of BAV surgery. All patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR subgroup, N.=59) or aortic root replacement with a composite graft (i.e., for root aneurysm >50 mm) (ARR subgroup, N.=38) from 1995 through 2008. Echocardiographic follow-up (1009 patient-years) was obtained for all 96 (100%) hospital survivors. The primary endpoint was freedom from new-onset MR>2+ and redo mitral valve surgery. RESULTS: Nine patients (9.4%) showed new-onset MR>2+ after mean echocardiographic follow-up of 10.4±4.0 years postoperatively. Myxomatous degeneration and prolapse of the anterior mitral leaflet was found in all 9 patients, and the posterior leaflet was involved in 3 of them. Two patients (2%) in AVR subgroup underwent re-do mitral surgery. No MR>2+ occurred in ARR subgroup. Freedom from MR>2+ or mitral surgery at 15 years was significantly lower in AVR subgroup vs. ARR subgroup (i.e., 38% vs. 100%, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of new-onset MR is significantly increased in patients with BAV regurgitation and aortic root dilatation who undergo isolated AVR rather than root replacement. The mechanism by which aortic root replacement may prevent the occurrence of late MR in BAV root phenotype patients is to be determined.