Impact of Valve Surgery on Serum Osteopontin Levels in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation

Cardiology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 130 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-86
Author(s):  
H.M. Gunes ◽  
G.B. Guler ◽  
E. Guler ◽  
G.G. Demir ◽  
S. Hatipoglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Valve Surgery ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Vena Contracta ◽  
Atherosclerotic Lesions ◽  
Lv Dysfunction ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
The Impact

Objective: Osteopontin (OPN), a sialoprotein present within atherosclerotic lesions, especially in calcified plaques, is linked to the progression of coronary artery disease and heart failure. We assessed the impact of valve surgery on serum OPN and left ventricular (LV) function in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods: Thirty-two patients with severe MR scheduled for surgery were included in the study. Echocardiography markers were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months following the surgery and matched with the serum OPN levels. Results: Valve surgery was associated with a reduction of the ejection fraction (EF) from 55.2 ± 6.3 to 48.8 ± 7.1% after surgery, p < 0.001. Following surgery, the OPN level was significantly higher than preoperatively (mean 245, range 36-2,284 ng/ml vs. 76, 6-486 ng/ml, p = 0.007). Preoperative OPN exhibited a slight negative correlation with the EF (r = -0.35, p = 0.04), and a moderate correlation with vena contracta (r = -0.38, p = 0.02). There were no other meaningful correlations between conventional echocardiographic parameters and OPN. Conclusion: Following valve surgery due to severe MR, patients exhibited a decrease in EF and an increase in OPN levels. The assessment of preoperative OPN failed to strongly predict probable LV dysfunction.

Prophylactic LVAD Enabling High-Risk Mitral Repair—Extending Beyond the Guidelines

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 573-576
Author(s):  
Fadi Hage ◽  
Ali Hage ◽  
Stuart Smith ◽  
A. Dave Nagpal ◽  
Michael W. A. Chu
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Mitral Valve ◽  
Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Assist Device ◽  
Mitral Repair ◽  
Lv Dysfunction

Both surgical and percutaneous mitral repair remain contraindicated in patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction because of inadequate LV reserve and increased LV work with a competent mitral valve. We report a 55-year-old gentleman who presented in cardiogenic shock with missed severe DMR and severe LV dysfunction, in whom we performed a high-risk mitral repair and insertion of a prophylactic CentriMag LV assist device. This innovative approach was found to be successful with significant patient improvement in both LV function and clinical symptoms with a competent mitral valve.

scholarly journals Assessment of Serum ST2 Receptor Levels in Female Coronary Artery Disease Patients with LV Dysfunction in Comparison to Males

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (02) ◽  
pp. 088-094
Author(s):  
Y. Rama Kishore ◽  
N. Lalitha ◽  
M. Naveen Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Systolic Volume ◽  
Lv Dysfunction ◽  
End Systolic Volume ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Heart failure is shown to be associated with elevated levels of ST2 levels in blood. The data about the relation of blood ST2 levels, in patients of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is limited. The impact of gender on ST2 levels not studied until now, so this study aimed to assess the blood ST2 levels measured for males and females patients in comparisons, of CAD with LV dysfunction and their relation to the outcomes at the end of 1-year post intervention. Material and Methods Out of the 60 patients with 1:2 ratio of females and males with CAD and LV dysfunction, baseline quantitative assessment of ST2 levels in blood was done by rapid lateral flow immunoassay method; > 35 mg/mL was considered as abnormal. Postintervention patients followed up to one year, adverse cardiovascular events noted at the end of 1 year. By using binary logistic regression, the outcomes in females compared with males for statistical significance in relation to baseline blood ST 2 levels. The p value of < 0.05 considered was significant. Results Among the 60 patients (females 33.3% and males 66.6 %) presented with CAD with LV dysfunction in the study, 40 (66.6 %) patients diagnosed of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and 20 (33.3%) patients with chronic stable angina (CSA). In both the genders, ACS is most common presentation (55% in females and 72.5 % in males). Eighteen (90%) females and 20 (50%) males were hypertensive, 12 (60%) females and 18 (45%) males were diabetics. Twenty-seven (67.5%) males were smokers and 14 (35%) were alcoholics. Nine (45%) female and 14 (35%) male patients had elevated ST2 levels. At the end of 1 year 9 females had events including 2 mortalities, 2 heart failures, and 7 repeat revascularizations. At the same time 7 male patients had events at the end of 1 year including 4 mortalities, 5 heart failures, and 2 repeat revascularizations. The difference in the event rates between male and female patients were statistically significance (p = 0.03). Elevated ST2 levels were correlated with echocardiographic parameter end systolic volume which was statistically significant (p= 0.03). Similarly elevated ST2 levels correlated with presence of diabetes (p= 0.01) and low LV EF. Conclusion Mean Blood ST2 levels were higher in females who associated with diabetes, high echo cardio graphic end-systolic volume, and a low ejection fraction of LV in severe LV dysfunction with statistical significance. At the end of 1 year in patients with elevated baseline ST2 levels, the female patient had more events than males with statistical significance.

P5011Impact of guideline-recommended medical therapy at discharge on long-term mortality in patients with or without left ventricular dysfunction after primary PCI for STEMI

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Radomirovic ◽  
D Milasinovic ◽  
Z Mehmedbegovic ◽  
D Jelic ◽  
V Zobenica ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Beta Blocker ◽  
Beta Blockers ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Primary Pci ◽  
Lv Dysfunction ◽  
Concurrent Use ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Clinical practice guidelines provide class I recommendation for the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and beta-blockers in patients with prior myocardial infarction and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, whereas their use in patients without LV dysfunction is considered to be a class IIa recommendation. Purpose Our aim was to comparatively assess the impact of ACE-I and/or beta-blockers on 3-year mortality in patients with or without impaired left ventricular (LV) function undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods The analysis included 4425 patients admitted for primary PCI during 2009–2015 from a prospective, electronic registry of a high-volume tertiary center, who survived initial hospitalization, and for whom information on LV function and discharge medication were available. Patients were stratified according to LV systolic dysfunction, defined as LVEF <40%. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression models were created to investigate the impact of beta-blocker and/or ACE-I therapy on 3-year mortality. Results 22.9% (n=1013) had LV dysfunction, 23.0% (n=1017) received either an ACE-I or a beta-blocker and 72.2% received both medications at discharge (n=3197). The concurrent use of both ACE-I and beta-blockers was not different in LVEF≥40% vs. LVEF<40% (72.4% vs. 71.7%, p=0.43). The use of at least one of the guideline-recommended medications was associated with a significantly lower 3-year mortality in both patients with LVEF≥40% (18.7% if neither was used, 11.2% if either a beta-blocker or an ACE-I were used and 9.4% if both were used, p=0.001), and LVEF<40% (55.4% if neither was used, 32.5% if either a beta-blocker or an ACE-I were used and 22.9% if both were used, p<0.001) (Figure). After adjusting for significant mortality predictors including older age, diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, previous stroke, Killip class ≥2 and non-culprit chronic total occlusion (CTO), the concurrent use of both a beta-blocker and an ACE-I remained independently associated with lower 3-year mortality in both patients with LVEF<40% (HR 0.30, p<0.001) and LVEF≥40% (HR=0.41, p=0.001). The use of a single agent was independently associated with lower mortality in patients with LVEF<40% (HR 0.45, p=0.002), but not in patients with LVEF≥40% (HR 0.61, p=0.07). Conclusions Guideline-recommended use of both a beta-blocker and an ACE-I in post-MI patients was associated with a lower 3-year mortality regardless of the LV function, whereas using only one of the two agents was associated with improved prognosis only in patients with LV dysfunction, but not in patients without LV impairment.

scholarly journals Impact of Diabetes on Cardiac Function in Patients with High Blood Pressure

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6553
Author(s):  
Nabila Soufi Taleb Bendiab ◽  
Souhila Ouabdesselam ◽  
Latefa Henaoui ◽  
Marilucy Lopez-Sublet ◽  
Jean-Jacques Monsuez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Geometry ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Concentric Hypertrophy ◽  
Lv Dysfunction ◽  
The Impact

Background: Although the combination of high blood pressure (HBP) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) increases the risk of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, the impact of T2DM on LV geometry and subclinical dysfunction in hypertensive patients and normal ejection fraction (EF) has been infrequently evaluated. Methods: Hypertensive patients with or without T2DM underwent cardiac echocardiography coupled with LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessment. Results: Among 200 patients with HBP (mean age 61.7 ± 9.7 years) and EF > 55%, 93 had associated T2DM. Patients with T2DM had a higher body mass index (29.9 ± 5.1 kg/m2 vs. 29.3 ± 4.7 kg/m2, p = 0.025), higher BP levels (158 ± 23/95 ± 13 vs. 142 ± 33/87 ± 12 mmHg, p = 0.003), a higher LV mass index (115.8 ± 32.4 vs. 112.0 ± 24.7 g/m2, p = 0.004), and higher relative wall thickness (0.51 ± 0.16 vs. 0.46 ± 0.12, p = 0.0001). They had more frequently concentric remodeling (20.4% vs. 16.8%, p < 0.001), concentric hypertrophy (53.7% vs. 48.6%, p < 0.001), elevated filling pressures (25.8 vs. 12.1%, p = 0.0001), indexed left atrial volumes greater than 28 mL/m2 (17.2 vs. 11.2%, p = 0.001), and a reduced GLS less than −18% (74.2 vs. 47.7%, p < 0.0001). After adjustment for BP and BMI, T2DM remains an independent determinant factor for GLS decline (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.11–4.61, p = 0.023). Conclusions: Left ventricular geometry and subclinical LV function as assessed with GLS are more impaired in hypertensive patients with than without T2DM. Preventive approaches to control BMI and risk of T2DM in hypertensive patients should be emphasized.

scholarly journals Concordance and Discordance of Echocardiographic Parameters Recommended for Assessing the Severity of Mitral Regurgitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth Uretsky ◽  
Lillian Aldaia ◽  
Leo Marcoff ◽  
Konstantinos Koulogiannis ◽  
Edgar Argulian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Regurgitant Volume ◽  
Orifice Area ◽  
Vena Contracta ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters ◽  
American Society ◽  
Regurgitant Orifice Area

Background: The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and American Society of Echocardiography guidelines recommend assessing several echocardiographic parameters when evaluating mitral regurgitation (MR) severity. These parameters can be discordant, making the assessment of MR challenging. The degree to which echocardiographic parameters of MR severity are concordant is not well studied. Methods: We enrolled 159 patients in a prospective multicenter study. Eight parameters were included in this analysis: proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA)–derived regurgitant volume, PISA-derived effective regurgitant orifice area, vena contracta, color Doppler jet/left atrial area, left atrial volume index, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, peak E wave, and the presence of pulmonary vein systolic reversal. Each echocardiographic parameter was determined to represent severe or nonsevere MR according to the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. A concordance score was calculated as so that a higher score reflects greater concordance. There was no discordance when all the echocardiographic parameters agreed and high discordance when 3 or 4 parameters were discordant. Results: The mean concordance score was 75±14% for the entire cohort. There were 9 (6%) patients with complete agreement of all parameters and 61 (38%) with high discordance. There was greater discordance in patients with severe MR but no difference between primary versus secondary or central versus eccentric jets. There was an improvement in concordance when only considering PISA-based regurgitant volume, PISA-based effective regurgitant orifice area, and vena contracta with agreement in 68% of patients. Conclusions: There was limited concordance between the echocardiographic parameters of MR severity, and the discordance was worse with more severe MR. Concordance improved when considering only 3 quantitative measures of vena contracta and PISA-based effective regurgitant orifice area and regurgitant volume. These findings highlight the challenges facing echocardiographers when assessing the severity of MR and emphasize the difficulty of using an integrated approach that incorporates multiple components. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT04038879.

scholarly journals PET Stress Testing with Coronary Flow Capacity in the Evaluation of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Rethinking the Current Paradigm

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Bober ◽  
Richard V. Milani ◽  
Selim R. Krim ◽  
Daniel P. Morin
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Flow ◽  
Stress Testing ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Regional Perfusion ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Flow Capacity ◽  
Lv Dysfunction ◽  
Artery Disease

Abstract Purpose of Review Cardiomyopathy with underlying left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is a heterogenous group of disorders that may be present with, and/or secondary to, coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this review is to demonstrate, via case illustrations, the benefits offered by cardiac positron-emission tomography (PET) stress testing with coronary flow capacity (CFC) in the evaluation and treatment of patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and CAD. Recent Findings CFC, a metric that is increasing in prominence, represents the integration of several absolute perfusion metrics into clinical strata of CAD severity. Our prior work has demonstrated improvement in regional perfusion metrics as a result of revascularization to territories with severe reduction in CFC. Conversely, when CFC is adequate, there is no change in regional perfusion metrics following revascularization, despite angiographically severe stenosis. Furthermore, Gould et al. demonstrated decreased rates of myocardial infarction and death following revascularization of myocardium with severely reduced CFC, with no clinical benefit observed following revascularization of patients with preserved CFC. In a series of cases, we present pre-revascularization and post-revascularization PET scans with perfusion metrics in patients with LV dysfunction and CAD. In these examples, we demonstrate improvement in LV function and perfusion metrics following revascularization only in cases where baseline CFC is severely reduced. Summary PET with CFC offers unique guidance regarding revascularization in patients with reduced LV function and CAD.

Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing primary PCI with versus without left ventricular function impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Pavlovic ◽  
D.G Milasinovic ◽  
Z Mehmedbegovic ◽  
D Jelic ◽  
S Zaharijev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Prognostic Impact ◽  
Primary Pci ◽  
Lv Dysfunction ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and impaired left ventricular (LV) function have both been separately associated with increased risk of mortality following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Purpose Our aim was to comparatively evaluate the impact of LV dysfunction and AF on the risk of mortality in primary PCI-treated patients. Methods This analysis included 8561 patients admitted for primary PCI during 2009–2019, from a prospectively kept, electronic registry of a high-volume tertiary center, from whom echocardiographic parameters were available. LV dysfunction was defined as EF&lt;40%. Adjusted Cox regression models were used to assess 30-day and 1-year mortality hazard. Results AF was present in 3.2% (n=273), whereas 37% had LV dysfunction (n=3189). Crude mortality rates were increased in the presence of either AF or LV dysfunction, and were the highest in the group of patients having both AF and impaired LV function, at 30 days (1.8% in no AF and no LV dysfunction vs. 5.4% if AF only vs. 7.0% if EF&lt;40% only vs. 14.9% if AF and LV dysfunction concurrently present, p&lt;0.001) and at 3 years (10.5% if no AF and no LV dysfunction vs. 35.8% if AF only vs. 28.5% if EF&lt;40% only vs. 60.3% if AF and LV dysfunction both present, p&lt;0.001). After multivariable adjustment for other significant mortality predictors, including age, previous stroke, MI, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, anemia and Killip≥2, LV dysfunction alone and in combination with AF was an independent predictor of mortality at both 30 days (HR=2.2 and HR=2.5, respectively, p&lt;0.001 for both) and at 3 years (HR=1.9 and HR=2.9, respectively, p&lt;0.001 for both). However, presence of AF alone, in the absence of an impaired LV function, was not independently associated with mortality at 30 days (HR 1.34, CI 95% 0.58–3.1, p=0.48), but rather at 3 years (HR 1.74, CI 95% 1.91–2.54, p=0.004). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation is associated with long-term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, irrespective of the LV function. Conversely, short-term prognostic relevance of atrial fibrillation in STEMI is dependent on the presence of LV dysfunction. Kaplan Meier curve_AF_LV dysfunction Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Atrial-ventricular function in rheumatic mitral regurgitation using strain imaging

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Ruchika Meel ◽  
Ferande Peters ◽  
Bijoy K Khandheria ◽  
Elena Libhaber ◽  
Mohammed Essop
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Strain Imaging ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Stiffness Index ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Systolic Strain ◽  
Peak Systolic Strain ◽  
2D Strain ◽  
Echocardiographic Examination ◽  
The Impact

Background Chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) historically has been shown to primarily affect left ventricular (LV) function. The impact of increased left atrial (LA) volume in MR on morbidity and mortality has been highlighted recently, yet the LA does not feature as prominently in the current guidelines as the LV. Thus, we aimed to study LA and LV function in chronic rheumatic MR using traditional volumetric parameters and strain imaging. Methods Seventy-seven patients with isolated moderate or severe chronic rheumatic MR and 40 controls underwent echocardiographic examination. LV and LA function were assessed with conventional echocardiography and 2D strain imaging. Results LA stiffness index was greater in chronic rheumatic MR than controls (0.95 ± 1.89 vs 0.16 ± 0.13, P = 0.009). LA dysfunction was noted in the reservoir, conduit, and contractile phases compared with controls (P < 0.05). LA peak reservoir strain (ƐR), LA peak contractile strain, and LV peak systolic strain were decreased in chronic rheumatic MR compared with controls (P < 0.05). Eighty-six percent of patients had decreased LA ƐR and 58% had depressed LV peak systolic strain. Decreased ƐR and normal LV peak systolic strain were noted in 42%. Thirteen percent had normal ƐR and LV peak systolic strain. One patient had normal ƐR with decreased LV peak systolic strain. Conclusions In chronic rheumatic MR, there is LA dysfunction in the reservoir, conduit, and contractile phases. In this study, LA dysfunction with or without LV dysfunction was the predominant finding, and thus, LA dysfunction may be an earlier marker of decompensation in chronic rheumatic MR.

scholarly journals Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Association With Exercise Exposure, Genetic Basis, and Prognosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Øyvind H. Lie ◽  
Monica Chivulescu ◽  
Christine Rootwelt‐Norberg ◽  
Margareth Ribe ◽  
Martin Prøven Bogsrud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Exercise Intolerance ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Lv Dysfunction ◽  
The Impact

Background Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is characterized by biventricular dysfunction, exercise intolerance, and high risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. Predisposing factors for left ventricular (LV) disease manifestation and its prognostic implication in AC are poorly described. We aimed to assess the associations of exercise exposure and genotype with LV dysfunction in AC, and to explore the impact of LV disease progression on adverse arrhythmic outcome. Methods and Results We included 168 patients with AC (50% probands, 45% women, 40±16 years old) with 715 echocardiographic exams (4.1±1.7 exams/patient, follow‐up 7.6 [interquartile range (IQR), 5.4–10.9] years) and complete exercise and genetic data in a longitudinal study. LV function by global longitudinal strain was −18.8% [IQR, −19.2% to −18.3%] at presentation and was worse in patients with greater exercise exposure (global longitudinal strain worsening, 0.09% [IQR, 0.01%–0.17%] per 5 MET‐hours/week, P =0.02). LV function by global longitudinal strain worsened, with 0.08% [IQR, 0.05%–0.12%] per year; ( P <0.001), and progression was most evident in patients with desmoplakin genotype ( P for interaction <0.001). Deterioration of LV function predicted incident ventricular tachyarrhythmia (aborted cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia, or implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock) (adjusted odds ratio, 1.1 [IQR, 1.0–1.3] per 1% worsening by global longitudinal strain; P =0.02, adjusted for time and previous arrhythmic events). Conclusions Greater exercise exposure was associated with worse LV function at first visit of patients with AC but did not significantly affect the rate of LV progression during follow‐up. Progression of LV dysfunction was most pronounced in patients with desmoplakin genotypes. Deterioration of LV function during follow‐up predicted subsequent ventricular tachyarrhythmia and should be considered in risk stratification.

scholarly journals Chronic Mitral Regurgitation: When the Optimal Timing of Surgical Intervention?

1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-147
Author(s):  
H Oemar ◽  
K Yusoff ◽  
HB Abdulgani
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Regurgitation ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Lv Function ◽  
Optimal Timing ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism ◽  
Lv Dysfunction

Optimal timing of surgery in mitral regurgitation (MR) is a complex problem that has been studied widely. The pathophysiological mechanism and hemodynamic changes whereby MR exerts its deleterious effects on survival is well recognized. Early reports in the literatures and newer prospective studies suggest that severe MR is not a benign state and it has a high morbidity and eventually mortality. Thus, it is obviously rationale in understanding pathophysiological construct and be able to identify disease condition in choosing the golden moment for surgical intervention. Surgical intervention has been exposed to be the only efficient management, but its optimal timing remains a matter of controversy. The ultimate goal of patient care is obviously no longer the relief of limiting symptoms but the achievement of an optimal long-term outcome with regard to mortality and morbidity. Preoperative developments of severe symptoms, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, LV enlargement, chronic atrial fibrillation, or progressive pulmonary hypertension were found to be associated with an unfavorable outcome. The timing of surgical correction for MR depends chiefly on three factors: clinical symptoms, LV function and the severity of MR. In term of waiting symptoms, the surgery has changed considerably from a relatively passive response to the development of severe symptoms, to an early surgery concept preceding the signs of LV dysfunction. This because clinical symptoms can remain absent or minimal despite severe regurgitation caused by adaptive remodeling of LV and left atrium, or because of patient adaptation of the disease. Thus, in chronic severe MR, there should be no waiting for LV function to decline before intervening, because the long-term results of that approach are not gratifying. Recent data underscored that mitral surgery is associated with a considerably decreased subsequent risk of mortality and heart failure. The reduction in the risk of death associated with surgery is greater among patients with a larger effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) assessed echocardiographically than among those with a smaller ERO and results in normalization of the life expectancy. These data provide a firm basis for considering surgery in patients with asymptomatic chronic mitral regurgitation who have an ERO of at least 40 mm². Key words: Mitral regurgitation; Mitral valve surgery; Echocardiography. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v1i2.8120 Cardiovasc. j. 2009; 1(2) : 142-147

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