Cardio-hepatic risk assessment by CMR imaging in liver transplant candidates.

BACKGROUND: The preoperative workup of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients is practically complex given the need for multiple imaging modalities. We recently demonstrated in our proof-of-concept study the value of a one-stop-shop approach using cardiovascular MRI (CMR) to address this complex problem. However, this approach requires further validation in a larger cohort, as detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as cardiovascular risk assessment is critically important in these patients. We hypothesized that coronary risk assessment and HCC detectability is acceptable using the one-stop-shop CMR approach. METHODS: In this observational study, patients underwent CMRI evaluation including cardiac function, stress CMR, thoracoabdominal MRA, and abdominal MRI on a standard MRI scanner in one examination. RESULTS: Over 8 years, 252 OLT candidates underwent evaluation in the cardiac MRI suit. The completion rates for each segment of the CMR examination were 99% for function, 95% completed stress CMR, 93% completed LGE for viability, 85% for liver MRI, and 87% for MRA. A negative CMR stress examination had 100% CAD event-free survival at 12 months. A total of 63 (29%) patients proceeded to OLT. Explant pathology confirmed detection/exclusion of HCC. CONCLUSIONS: This study further defines the population suitable for the one-stop-shop CMR concept for preop evaluation of OLT candidates providing a road map for integrated testing in this complex patient population for evaluation of cardiac risk and detection of HCC lesions.

Ex vivo cardiovascular magnetic resonance measurements of right and left ventricular mass compared with direct mass measurement in excised hearts after transplantation: a first human SSFP comparison.

BACKGROUND: CMR is considered the 'gold standard' for non-invasive LV and RV mass quantitation. This information is solely based on gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequences while contrast dependent on intrinsic T1/T2 characteristics potentially offers superior image contrast between blood and myocardium. This study aims, for the first time in humans, to validate the SSFP approach using explanted hearts obtained from heart transplant recipients. Our objective is establish the correlation between and to validate steady-state free precession (SSFP) derived LV and RV mass vs. autopsy mass of hearts from cardiac transplants patients. METHODS: Over three-years, 58 explanted cardiomyopathy hearts were obtained immediately upon orthotopic heart transplantation from the OR. They were quickly cleaned, prepared and suspended in a saline-filled container and scanned ex vivo via SSFP-SA slices to define LV/RV mass. Using an automatic thresholding program, segmentation was achieved in combination with manual trimming (ATMT) of extraneous tissue incorporating 3D cardiac modeling performed by independent and blinded readers. The explanted hearts were then dissected with the ventricles surgically separated at the interventricular septum. Weights of the total heart not excluding papillary and trabecular myocardium, LV and RV were measured via high-fidelity scale. Linear regression and Bland-Altman plots were used to analyze the data. The intra-class correlation coefficient was used to assess intra-observer reliability. RESULTS: Of the total of 58 explanted hearts, 3 (6%) were excluded due to poor image quality leaving 55 patients (94%) for the final analysis. Significant positive correlations were found between total 3D CMR mass (450 ± 111 g) and total pathology mass (445 ± 116 g; r = 0.99, p < 0.001) as well as 3D CMR measured LV mass (301 ± 93 g) and the pathology measured LV mass (313 ± 96 g; r = 0.95, p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were demonstrated between the 3D CMR measured RV mass (149 ± 46 g) and the pathology measured RV mass (128 ± 40 g; r = 0.76, p < 0.001). The mean bias between 3D-CMR and pathology measures for total mass, LV mass and RV mass were: 3.0 g, -16 g and 19 g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SSFP-CMR accurately determines total myocardial, LV and RV mass as compared to pathology weighed explanted hearts despite variable surgical removal of instrumentation (left and right ventricular assist devices, AICD and often apical core removals). Thus, this becomes the first-ever human CMR confirmation for SSFP now validating the distinction of 'gold standard'.

Where do we go from here? Beyond the MagnaSafe trial: A focus beyond a 'safety-first' notion. An MRI study in 500 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: In patients with conventional pacemakers or ICD's, MRI is infrequently performed due to safety concerns. Recent reports have allayed many of these concerns. However, the additive clinical value of scanning patients with cardiac implants has not been established. OBJECTIVE: Assessing the additive value of thoracic and non-thoracic MRI in patients with implantable cardiac devices. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective data were analyzed in 500 patients with implanted cardiac devices that underwent MRI over a 12 year period at a single institution (Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA). A set of three questions were answered following scan interpretation by both the MRI technologist and interpreting MRI physician(s): 1) Did the primary diagnosis change? 2) Did MRI provide additional information to the existing diagnosis? 3) Did patient management change? If 'Yes' was answered to any of the above questions, it was considered that the MRI scan was of value to patient diagnosis and/or guiding therapy. Scans encountered were neurological/neurosurgical 354 (70.8%), cardiac 98 (19.6%) and orthopedic 48 (9.6%) in nature. In 431 (86%) MRI added additional information to the primary diagnosis and in 277 (55.4%) MRI changed the primary diagnosis. In 304 (60.8%) cases management changed, 265 (53%) due to a change in diagnosis and in 39 (7.8%) due to providing additional information. No safety issues were encountered and no adverse effects of MRI scan were noted. CONCLUSIONS: MRI in patients with implanted cardiac devices was of additive value to diagnosis and management thereby informing risk-benefit considerations. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: 500 patients with implanted cardiac devices who underwent a MRI examination over a 12 year period were followed prospectively. Imaging primarily focus on three anatomical regions (neurological/neurosurgical, cardiac and orthopedic) providing added information to the primary diagnosis in 431 (86%) cases and changing the primary diagnosis in 277 (55.4%) cases. In 304 (60.8%) cases management changed with 265 (53%) being due to a change of diagnosis and in 39 (7.8%) due to providing additional information. No safety issues were encountered using a defined protocol. CONCLUSIONS: MR imaging retains its diagnostic yield in patients with implanted devices.

Improved approach to quantitative cardiac volumetrics using automatic thresholding and manual trimming: a cardiovascular MRI study.

To establish the clinical validity and accuracy of automatic thresholding and manual trimming (ATMT) by comparing the method with the conventional contouring method for in vivo cardiac volume measurements. CMR was performed on 40 subjects (30 patients and 10 controls) using steady-state free precession cine sequences with slices oriented in the short-axis and acquired contiguously from base to apex. Left ventricular (LV) volumes, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and stroke volume (SV) were obtained with ATMT and with the conventional contouring method. Additionally, SV was measured independently using CMR phase velocity mapping (PVM) of the aorta for validation. Three methods of calculating SV were compared by applying Bland-Altman analysis. The Bland-Altman standard deviation of variation (SD) and offset bias for LV SV for the three sets of data were: ATMT-PVM (7.65, [Formula: see text]), ATMT-contours (7.85, [Formula: see text]), and contour-PVM (11.01, 4.97), respectively. Equating the observed range to the error contribution of each approach, the error magnitude of ATMT:PVM:contours was in the ratio 1:2.4:2.5. Use of ATMT for measuring ventricular volumes accommodates trabeculae and papillary structures more intuitively than contemporary contouring methods. This results in lower variation when analyzing cardiac structure and function and consequently improved accuracy in assessing chamber volumes.

Diagnostic Value of MRI in Patients With Implanted Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Across a Cross Population: Does the Benefit Justify the Risk? A Proof of Concept Study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic usefulness of thoracic and nonthoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging in patients with implantable cardiac devices (permanent pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators [ICDs]) to determine if there was a substantial benefit to patients with regard to diagnosis and/or management. BACKGROUND: MRI is infrequently performed on patients with conventional pacemakers or ICDs. Multiple studies have documented the safety of MRI scans in patients with implanted devices, yet the diagnostic value of this approach has not been established. METHODS: Evaluation data were acquired in 136 patients with implanted cardiac devices who underwent MRIs during a 10-year period at a single institution. Specific criteria were followed for all patients to objectively define if the diagnosis by MRI enhanced patient care; 4 questions were answered after scan interpretation by both MRI technologists and MRI physicians who performed the scan. 1) Did the primary diagnosis change? 2) Did the MRI provide additional information to the existing diagnosis? 3) Was the pre-MRI (tentative) diagnosis confirmed? 4) Did patient management change? If "Yes" was answered to any of the preceding questions, the MRI scan was considered to be of value to patient diagnosis and/or therapy. RESULTS: In 97% (n = 132) of patients, MR added value to patient diagnosis and management. In 49% (n = 67) of patients, MRI added additional valuable information to the primary diagnosis, and in 30% (n = 41) of patients, MRI changed the principle diagnosis and subsequent management of the patient. No safety issues were encountered, and no adverse effects of undergoing the MRI scan were noted in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: MRI in patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators added value to patient diagnosis and management, which justified the risk of the procedure.

Mid wall fibrosis on CMR with late gadolinium enhancement may predict prognosis for LVAD and transplantation risk in patients with newly diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy-preliminary observations from a high-volume transplant centre.

BACKGROUND: Patients with newly diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and advanced heart failure have a very high morbidity and mortality with an unpredictable clinical course. We investigated the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in this cohort of high-risk patients. We hypothesized that LGE has high prognostic value in primary DCM patients referred for possible transplantation/left ventricular assist device (LVAD) consideration. METHODS: Over 49 consecutive months, 61 consecutives DCM patients were referred for standard CMR(1.5T, GE) to interrogate the LV pattern, distribution, and extent of LGE (MultiHance, Princeton, NJ). Inclusion criteria for a primary non-ischaemic DCM and EF <45% were met in 31 patients. DCM patients were categorized into: (i) presence of midwall LV stripe (+Stripe) and (ii) absence of midwall stripe (-Stripe) groups. Primary outcome was defined by the composite of death, need for LV assist device (LVAD), and urgent orthotopic cardiac transplantation (Tx) during a 12-month follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted grouping patients by +Stripe and -Stripe. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups for demographics, blood pressure, labs, baseline LVEF, NYHA class, or invasive haemodynamics. There were 18 patients (58%) with +Stripe. Nine events occurred: seven patients required urgent Tx and/or LVAD implantation and two patients died. The +Stripe categorization strongly predicted the need for LVAD, urgent Tx surgery, and death (log-rank = 9, P = 0.002). All the events occurred in the +Stripe patients with no MACE experienced in the -Stripe group. The -Stripe group experienced marked signs of improvement in LVEF (P = 0.01) at follow-up. LVEDD was predictive of need for LVAD/Tx and death by univariate analysis. Otherwise, no common clinical metric such as LVEF, LVEDV, RVEF, RVEDV, or any invasive haemodynamic parameter predicted MACE. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of +Stripe on CMR is strongly predictive of LVAD, transplant need, and death during a 12-month follow-up period in DCM patients in this proof of concept study. All -Stripe patients survived without experiencing any events. Incorporating CMR imaging into routine clinical practice may have prognostic value in DCM patients; indicating conservative management in low-risk patients while expectantly managing high-risk patients.

Does the presence of Q waves on the EKG accurately predict prior myocardial infarction when compared to cardiac magnetic resonance using late gadolinium enhancement? A cross-population study of noninfarct vs infarct patients.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize that infarct detection by electrocardiogram (EKG) is inaccurate as compared with detection by magnetic resonance imaging and is potentially independent of infarct vs noninfarct status. This might have implications for societies in which initial cardiovascular testing is uniformly EKG. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to relate EKG-defined scar to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)-defined scar independent of the underlying myocardial pathology. METHODS: A total of 235 consecutive patients who underwent CMR-late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with simultaneous EKG were screened for Q waves and compared with patients with a positive LGE pattern. The patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) patients with a positive infarct LGE pattern (LGE+/+; herein defined as LGE+), (2) patients with a noninfarct LGE pattern (LGE+/-), and (3) patients with a negative LGE pattern (LGE-). RESULTS: While 139 of 235 patients (59%) were either LGE+ or LGE+/-, pathological Q waves were present in only 74 of 235 patients (31%). However, of these LGE+ or LGE+/- patients, only 76 (32%) had an infarct LGE pattern representing little overlap between the presence of LGE+ and Q waves. EKG sensitivity and specificity to detect infarct: 66% and 85%, respectively. However, of 24 of 74 patients (32%) with Q waves on the EKG, 66% were LGE+/- and 34% were LGE-. Importantly, 3-dimensional volume of myocardial scar was far more predictive of a Q wave than of scar transmurality. CONCLUSION: EKG-defined scar, while ubiquitous for an infarct, has low sensitivity than CMR-LGE-defined scar. Unexpectedly, a significant number of pathological Q waves had absent infarct etiology, indicating high false positivity. Similarly, underrecognition of bona fide myocardial infarction frequently occurs, while 3-dimensional CMR volume of myocardial scar is far more predictive of a Q wave than of scar transmurality. This suggests that the well-regarded EKG may be a disservice when applied on a population basis, leading to inappropriate over or under downstream testing with wide socioeconomic implications.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging-derived mitral valve geometry in determining mitral regurgitation severity.

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation is the most common valvular heart disease worldwide. Magnetic resonance may be a useful tool to analyze mitral valve parameters. OBJECTIVE: To distinguish mitral valve geometric patterns in patients with different severities of mitral regurgitation (MR) based on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Sixty-three patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Mitral valve parameters analyzed were: tenting area (mm2) and angle (degrees), ventricle height (mm), tenting height (mm), anterior leaflet, posterior leaflet length and annulus diameter (mm). Patients were divided into two groups, one including patients who required mitral valve surgery and another which did not. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients had trace to mild (1-2+) MR and 27 had moderate to severe MR (3-4+). Ten (15.9%) out of 63 patients underwent surgery. Patients with more severe MR had a larger left ventricle end systolic diameter (38.6 ± 10.2 vs 45.4 ± 16.8, p<0.05) and left end diastolic diameter (52.9 ± 6.8 vs 60.1 ± 12.3, p= 0.005). On multivariate analysis, the tenting area was the strongest determinant of MR severity (r= 0.62, p=0.035). Annulus length (36.1 ± 4.7 vs 41 ± 6.7, p< 0.001), tenting area (190.7 ± 149.7 vs 130 ± 71.3, p= 0.048) and posterior leaflet length (15.1 ± 4.1 vs 12.2 ± 3.5, p= 0.023) were larger on patients requiring mitral valve surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Tenting area, annulus and posterior leaflet length are possible determinants of MR severity. These geometric parameters could be used to determine severity and could, in the future, direct specific patient care based on individual mitral apparatus anatomy.

Contrast-enhanced CMR is equally effective as TEE in the evaluation of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary vein isolation procedure.

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) routinely undergo transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for the evaluation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) to rule out thrombus prior to undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is now increasingly used for the evaluation of patients with AF to define pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy prior to PVI. OBJECTIVE: To hypothesize that a retrospective comparison of 2-dimensional/3-dimensional (2D/3D) contrast-enhanced CMR sequences with TEE for the evaluation of LAA thrombus in patients with AF selected for PVI will demonstrate equivalence. METHODS: Ninety-seven (N = 97) consecutive patients with AF underwent near-simultaneous TEE and noncontrast and contrast CMR prior to undergoing an initial PVI procedure. The CMR images were analyzed in 2 categories: (1) the 2D noncontrast cine images and early gadolinium enhancement images showing LAA and (2) 3D contrast source images acquired during PV magnetic resonance angiography. CMR variables evaluated were the presence or absence of LAA thrombus and the quality of images, and they were compared with the results of TEE in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: All subjects were analyzed for the presence or absence of LAA thrombus. Thrombus was absent in 98% of the patients on both TEE and CMR and present in 2% on both studies (100% correlation). In 6 subjects, 2D cine CMR images were indeterminate whereas all 2D early gadolinium enhancement images and 3D contrast images were successful in excluding LAA thrombus. There was 100% concordance between CMR and TEE for the final diagnosis of LAA thrombus. CONCLUSIONS: In one single examination, CMR offers a comparable alternative to TEE for the complete noninvasive evaluation of LAA thrombus and PV anatomy in patients with AF referred for PVI without obligate need for TEE.

Exploratory use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in liver transplantation: a one-stop shop for preoperative cardiohepatic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative cardiovascular risk stratification in orthotopic liver transplantation candidates has proven challenging due to limitations of current noninvasive modalities. Additionally, the preoperative workup is logistically cumbersome and expensive given the need for separate cardiac, vascular, and abdominal imaging. We evaluated the feasibility of a "one-stop shop" in a magnetic resonance suite, performing assessment of cardiac structure, function, and viability, along with simultaneous evaluation of thoracoabdominal vasculature and liver anatomy. METHODS: In this pilot study, patients underwent steady-state free precession sequences and stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), thoracoabdominal magnetic resonance angiography, and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a standard MRI scanner. Pharmacologic stress was performed using regadenoson, adenosine, or dobutamine. Viability was assessed using late gadolinium enhancement. RESULTS: Over 2 years, 51 of 77 liver transplant candidates (mean age, 56 years; 35% female; mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, 10.8; range, 6-40) underwent MRI. All referred patients completed standard dynamic CMR, 98% completed stress CMR, 82% completed late gadolinium enhancement for viability, 94% completed liver MRI, and 88% completed magnetic resonance angiography. The mean duration of the entire study was 72 min, and 45 patients were able to complete the entire examination. Among all 51 patients, 4 required follow-up coronary angiography (3 for evidence of ischemia on perfusion CMR and 1 for postoperative ischemia), and none had flow-limiting coronary disease. Nine proceeded to orthotopic liver transplantation (mean 74 days to transplantation after MRI). There were six ascertained mortalities in the nontransplant group and one death in the transplanted group. Explant pathology confirmed 100% detection/exclusion of hepatocellular carcinoma. No complications during CMR examination were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: In this proof-of-concept study, it appears feasible to perform a comprehensive, efficient, and safe preoperative liver transplant imaging in a CMR suite-a one-stop shop, even in seriously ill patients.

LV reverse remodeling imparted by aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis; is it durable? A cardiovascular MRI study sponsored by the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: In patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), long-term data tracking surgically induced effects of afterload reduction on reverse LV remodeling are not available. Echocardiographic data is available short term, but in limited fashion beyond one year. Cardiovascular MRI (CMR) offers the ability to serially track changes in LV metrics with small numbers due to its inherent high spatial resolution and low variability. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that changes in LV structure and function following aortic valve replacement (AVR) are detectable by CMR and once triggered by AVR, continue for an extended period. METHODS: Twenty-four patients of which ten (67 ± 12 years, 6 female) with severe, but compensated AS underwent CMR pre-AVR, 6 months, 1 year and up to 4 years post-AVR. 3D LV mass index, volumetrics, LV geometry, and EF were measured. RESULTS: All patients survived AVR and underwent CMR 4 serial CMR's. LVMI markedly decreased by 6 months (157 ± 42 to 134 ± 32 g/m2, p < 0.005) and continued trending downwards through 4 years (127 ± 32 g/m2). Similarly, EF increased pre to post-AVR (55 ± 22 to 65 ± 11%,(p < 0.05)) and continued trending upwards, remaining stable through years 1-4 (66 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 9%). LVEDVI, initially high pre-AVR, decreased post-AVR (83 ± 30 to 68 ± 11 ml/m2, p < 0.05) trending even lower by year 4 (66 ± 10 ml/m2). LV stroke volume increased rapidly from pre to post-AVR (40 ± 11 to 44 ± 7 ml, p < 0.05) continuing to increase non-significantly through 4 years (49 ± 14 ml) with these LV metrics paralleling improvements in NYHA. However, LVmass/volume, a 3D measure of LV geometry, remained unchanged over 4 years. CONCLUSION: After initial beneficial effects imparted by AVR in severe AS patients, there are, as expected, marked improvements in LV reverse remodeling. Via CMR, surgically induced benefits to LV structure and function are durable and, unexpectedly express continued, albeit markedly incomplete improvement through 4 years post-AVR concordant with sustained improved clinical status. This supports down-regulation of both mRNA and MMP activity acutely with robust suppression long term.

Geometria da valva mitral derivada da ressonância magnética cardiovascular na avaliação da gravidade da regurgitação mitral / Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging-derived mitral valve geometry in determining mitral regurgitation severity

FUNDAMENTO: A regurgitação mitral é a doença valvar cardíaca mais comum em todo o mundo. A ressonância magnética pode ser uma ferramenta útil para analisar os parâmetros da valva mitral. OBJETIVO: diferenciar padrões geométricos da valva mitral em pacientes com diferentes gravidades por regurgitação mitral (RM) com base na ressonância magnética cardiovascular. MÉTODOS: Sessenta e três pacientes foram submetidos à ressonância magnética cardiovascular. Os parâmetros da valva mitral analisados foram: área (mm2) e ângulo (graus) de tenting, altura do ventrículo (mm), altura do tenting (mm), folheto anterior, comprimento posterior do folheto (leaflet) e diâmetro do anulo (mm). Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, um incluindo pacientes que necessitaram de cirurgia da valva mitral e o outro os que não. RESULTADOS: Trinta e seis pacientes apresentaram de RM discreta a leve (1-2+) e 27 RM de moderada a grave (3-4+). Dez (15,9%) dos 63 pacientes foram submetidos à cirurgia. Pacientes com RM mais grave tiveram maior diâmetro sistólico final do ventrículo esquerdo (38,6 ± 10,2 vs. 45,4 ± 16,8, p < 0,05) e diâmetro diastólico final esquerdo (52,9 ± 6,8 vs. 60,1 ± 12,3, p = 0,005). Na análise multivariada, a área de tenting foi a determinante mais forte de gravidade de RM (r = 0,62, p = 0,035). Comprimento do anulo (36,1 ± 4,7 vs. 41 ± 6,7, p< 0,001), área de tenting (190,7 ± 149,7 vs. 130 ± 71,3, p= 0,048) e comprimento do folheto posterior (15,1 ± 4,1 vs. 12,2 ± 3,5, p= 0,023) foram maiores em pacientes que precisaram de cirurgia da valva mitral. CONCLUSÕES: Área de tenting, anulo e comprimento do folheto posterior são possíveis determinantes da gravidade da RM. Estes parâmetros geométricos podem ser usados para individualizar a gravidade e, provavelmente, no futuro, orientar o tratamento do paciente com base na anatomia individual do aparelho mitral.

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation is the most common valvular heart disease worldwide. Magnetic resonance may be a useful tool to analyze mitral valve parameters. OBJECTIVE: To distinguish mitral valve geometric patterns in patients with different severities of mitral regurgitation (MR) based on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Sixty-three patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Mitral valve parameters analyzed were: tenting area (mm2) and angle (degrees), ventricle height (mm), tenting height (mm), anterior leaflet, posterior leaflet length and annulus diameter (mm). Patients were divided into two groups, one including patients who required mitral valve surgery and another which did not. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients had trace to mild (1-2+) MR and 27 had moderate to severe MR (3-4+). Ten (15.9%) out of 63 patients underwent surgery. Patients with more severe MR had a larger left ventricle end systolic diameter (38.6 ± 10.2 vs 45.4 ± 16.8, p<0.05) and left end diastolic diameter (52.9 ± 6.8 vs 60.1 ± 12.3, p= 0.005). On multivariate analysis, the tenting area was the strongest determinant of MR severity (r= 0.62, p=0.035). Annulus length (36.1 ± 4.7 vs 41 ± 6.7, p< 0.001), tenting area (190.7 ± 149.7 vs 130 ± 71.3, p= 0.048) and posterior leaflet length (15.1 ± 4.1 vs 12.2 ± 3.5, p= 0.023) were larger on patients requiring mitral valve surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Tenting area, annulus and posterior leaflet length are possible determinants of MR severity. These geometric parameters could be used to determine severity and could, in the future, direct specific patient care based on individual mitral apparatus anatomy.