Evin Yucel

Mitral valve repair and subvalvular intervention for secondary mitral regurgitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled and propensity matched studies

BACKGROUND Combining a ring annuloplasty (Ring) with a mitral subvalvular intervention (Ring + subvalvular) in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) may improve mitral valve (MV) repair durability. However, the outcomes of this strategy compared with a Ring only, have not been clearly defined. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed utilizing randomized controlled and propensity matched studies which compared a Ring + subvalvular versus Ring MV repair for the treatment of secondary MR. Risk ratio (RR), weighted mean difference (MD), and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel and inverse-variance methods, for clinical outcomes and echocardiographic measures of follow-up MR, left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling, and MV apparatus geometry. RESULTS Five studies were identified, with a total of 397 patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, and all patients had moderate to severe secondary MR, with the vast majority in the setting of ischemic cardiomyopathy. A Ring + subvalvular repair consisted of papillary muscle approximation (n=2), papillary muscle relocation (n=2), or secondary chordal cutting (n=1). Follow-up ranged from 10.1 (mean range =0.25-42) to 69 [interquartile range (IQR) =23-82] months. When compared with Ring only at last follow-up, a Ring + subvalvular MV repair was associated with: (I) a smaller MR grade (MD =-0.44, 95% CI -0.69 to -0.19; P=0.0005); (II) a reduced risk of moderate or greater recurrent MR (RR =0.43, 95% CI, 0.27-0.66; P=0.0002); (III) a smaller mean LV end-diastolic diameter (MD =-3.56 mm, 95% CI -5.40 to -1.73; P=0.0001) and a greater ejection fraction (MD =2.64%, 95% CI, 0.13-5.15; P=0.04); and, (IV) an improved MV apparatus geometry. There were no differences in operative mortality, post-operative morbidity, or follow-up survival between surgical approaches. CONCLUSIONS When compared with Ring only, a Ring + subvalvular MV repair is associated with greater LV reverse remodeling and systolic function, less recurrence of moderate or greater MR, and an improved geometry of the MV apparatus at short and mid-term follow-up.

Surgical Versus Medical Therapy for Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: A Meta-Analysis of 32 Studies

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is associated with significant morbidity, and the optimal treatment strategy has not been clearly defined. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 studies comparing valve reoperation and medical therapy was performed; it included 2,636 patients, with a mean follow-up of 22 months. A valve reoperation was associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality, greater survival at follow-up, and a similar rate of PVE recurrence. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to clarify clinical decision-making regarding the timing and necessity of a valve reoperation, as opposed to treatment with medical therapy alone.

Staged percutaneous coronary intervention followed by minimally invasive mitral valve surgery versus combined coronary artery bypass graft and mitral valve surgery for two-vessel coronary artery disease and moderate to severe ischemic mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND The optimal treatment for concomitant two-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and moderate to severe ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) remains unclear. We compared the results of a staged percutaneous coronary intervention followed by minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (PCI+MIVS) versus combined coronary artery bypass graft and mitral valve surgery (CABG+MVS) in this population. METHODS All consecutive patients with two-vessel CAD and moderate to severe IMR, who underwent PCI+MIVS or CABG+MVS at our institution between February 2009 and April 2014, were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS There were nine patients identified who underwent PCI+MIVS, and 15 who underwent CABG+MVS, with a mean age of 71±7, and 70±7 years, respectively (P=0.86). The remaining baseline characteristics were similar between both groups, with the exception of a higher prevalence of pre-operative clopidogrel administration (78% versus 27%, P=0.03) and left anterior descending plus left circumflex CAD (78% versus 27%, P=0.03), in those who underwent PCI+MIVS. The PCI+MIVS approach was associated with decreased mean cardiopulmonary bypass (111±41 versus 167±49 min, P=0.01) and aortic cross-clamp (79±32 versus 129±35 min, P=0.003) times, and less median number of intraoperative packed red blood transfusions {2 [interquartile range (IQR), 0-2] versus 3 units (IQR, 1-4), P=0.05}, when compared with CABG+MVS. The rate of mitral valve repair, postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, and 1-year survival did not differ between the surgical approaches. CONCLUSIONS PCI+MIVS for two-vessel CAD and moderate to severe IMR is feasible, and associated with satisfactory outcomes, as compared with CABG+MVS.

Acute Leukemia is Associated with Cardiac Alterations before Chemotherapy

Background Patients with acute leukemia (AL) have a higher rate of congestive heart failure than patients with other cancers. AL may predispose to cardiac dysfunction before chemotherapy because of high cytokine release or direct leukemic myocardial infiltration. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether AL is associated with abnormalities of myocardial structure and function before chemotherapy and to identify possible risk factors associated with these myocardial changes. Methods Using an echocardiographic database, 76 patients with AL and 76 patients without cancer matched for age, gender, hypertension, and the presence of diabetes were retrospectively selected. Subsequently, to assess the effect of a nonhematologic malignancy, 28 women in each group were matched with women with breast cancer. Left ventricular (LV) mass, volumes, ejection fraction, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured before chemotherapy. Results The patients were predominantly male (63%), with a median age of 51 years, and had low prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Despite similar LV ejection fractions, patients with AL had higher LV mass and volumes and lower GLS (−19.3 ± 2.7% vs −20.9 ± 1.9%, P < .001) than patients without cancer. Similarly, GLS was lower in women with AL compared with women with breast cancer or without cancer. Among patients with AL, high body mass index, low LV ejection fraction, and a small number of circulating lymphocytes were all independently associated with low GLS. Conclusions Patients with AL had higher LV volumes and lower GLS than patients without cancer and lower GLS than patients with breast cancer, suggesting that AL by itself may be associated with these cardiac alterations. HighlightsThe authors assessed whether AL is associated with cardiac alterations before chemotherapy.Patients with AL had larger LV mass and volumes than patients without cancer.Patients with AL had lower GLS than patients with breast cancer or without cancer.Among patients with AL, BMI, LVEF, and lymphocyte count were correlated with GLS.This finding suggests that AL by itself is associated with these cardiac alterations.

Impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy on mitral valve apparatus geometry and clinical outcomes in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may improve secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with cardiomyopathy. The effects on mitral valve (MV) and left ventricular (LV) geometry, however, have not been clearly defined.

Pregnancy in Women with Congenital Heart Disease

Opinion statementAdvances in cardiac surgical interventions in infancy and childhood have led to an increased number of women with congenital heart disease of childbearing age. For these women, individualized preconception counseling and pregnancy planning should be a vital component of their medical management, and presentation for obstetric care may even be an opportunity to re-establish cardiovascular care for patients who have been lost to follow-up. These patients have unique cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, which is dependent upon the surgical intervention they may have undergone during childhood or adolescence. These factors are associated with a variety of long-term complications, and the normal hemodynamic changes of pregnancy may unmask cardiac dysfunction and pose significant risk. Among three published risk assessment algorithms, the World Health Organization classification is the most sensitive in predicting maternal cardiovascular events in this population. Women with simple congenital heart defects generally tolerate pregnancy well and can be cared for in the community with careful monitoring. Conversely, women with complex congenital defects, with or without surgical repair and/or residual defects, should be managed in tertiary care centers under a multidisciplinary team of physicians experienced in adult congenital heart disease and high-risk obstetrics, who collaboratively participate in pregnancy planning, management, and care through childbirth and postpartum. Women who are cyanotic with oxygen saturation less than 85%, have significant pulmonary arterial hypertension of any cause, or have systemic ventricular dysfunction should be counseled to avoid pregnancy due to a very high risk of maternal and fetal mortality.

Effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy after inferior myocardial infarction on secondary mitral regurgitation and mitral valve geometry

The effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on secondary mitral regurgitation (MR), and mitral valve (MV) and left ventricular (LV) geometry, in patients with prior inferior myocardial infarction is not clearly defined. We assessed these outcomes utilizing two‐dimensional echocardiography, and analyzed echocardiographic geometric variables that may correlate with follow‐up MR severity.

Echocardiographic and clinical markers of left ventricular ejection fraction and moderate or greater systolic dysfunction in left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is associated with progressive LV systolic dysfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy. We aimed to investigate the echocardiographic and clinical characteristics associated with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and moderate or greater systolic dysfunction in patients with LVNC.

Sex-Specific Considerations in Women with Aortic Stenosis and Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular disease in the elderly and is associated with poor outcomes. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in high-risk patients. Herein, we describe the gender-related differences in baseline characteristics and pathophysiologic response to severe AS, imaging considerations unique to females, and short- and long-term outcomes after TAVR. Women undergoing TAVR are older and frailer, have less cardiovascular comorbidities, smaller femoral artery size, better left ventricular systolic function, hypertrophied and small left ventricles leading to a higher incidence of paradoxical low-flow low-gradient AS, and a greater prevalence of porcelain aorta, smaller aortic annulus size, and lower coronary ostia heights. Imaging and histopathological data also suggests a sex-related myocardial response to pressure overload from AS. Women experience more vascular complications and blood transfusion requirements, serious procedural complications, and a greater incidence of stroke, but have better long-term outcomes than men. Patient-prosthesis mismatch, which is a concern in patients with a small aortic annulus size undergoing SAVR, has not been problematic with TAVR. The aforementioned findings suggest that TAVR may be preferable for women with severe AS. Further studies are warranted to directly compare TAVR with SAVR in women.

Mitral Valve and Subvalvular Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: Rationale and Clinical Outcomes of the Papillary Muscle Sling

Secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common finding in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, and it is associated with poor outcomes. It is the result of incomplete systolic closure of the mitral valve (MV) as a consequence of left ventricular dilatation, papillary muscle displacement with impaired systolic shortening, and mitral leaflet tethering. MV surgery may be performed in cases of significant secondary MR despite guideline-directed medical therapy. However, MV repair, which is most commonly performed with an undersized ring annuloplasty, is associated with a 30-60% recurrence of moderate or greater MR at mid-term follow-up. To improve MV repair durability, several adjunctive subvalvular procedures have been proposed, one of which is the addition of papillary muscle approximation utilizing a papillary muscle sling. Recent studies comparing the outcomes of a conventional undersized ring annuloplasty with a MV repair utilizing a papillary muscle sling have reported a significant reduction in recurrent moderate or severe MR, greater left ventricular reverse remodeling, and improved MV apparatus geometry with the addition of the papillary muscle sling. We present a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology of secondary MR, and the rationale and clinical outcomes of MV repair with papillary muscle sling placement for the treatment of secondary MR.