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Biomedical subjects

David Messika-Zeitoun

Publications and source records attributed to David Messika-Zeitoun.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

A multi-perforated man: asymptomatic ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm associated with an atrial and ventricular septal defect.

We report the case of an exceptional association of a right coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) ruptured into the right ventricle, a supracristal ventricular septal defect (VSD) and an atrial septal defect (ASD). Our patient was totally asymptomatic and the diagnosis was established by echocardiography. The patient underwent prompt surgery that consisted in closing the aneurysm and the VSD with a pericardium patch.

Adult↗

Aortic valve calcification: determinants and progression in the population.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is considered degenerative. Recent data suggested links to atherosclerosis or coronary disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: AVC and coronary artery calcifications (CAC) were prospectively assessed by Electron-Beam-Computed-Tomography in 262 population-based research participants > or = 60 years. AVC was frequent (27%) with aging (P<0.01) and in men (P<0.05). AVC was associated with diabetes, hypertension, higher body-mass-index, and serum glucose (all P<0.05). AVC was a marker of higher prevalence (P<0.01) and severity of CAD (CAC score: 441+/-802 versus 265+/-566, P<0.05) independently of age. After follow-up of 3.8+/-0.9 years, AVC score increased (94+/-271 versus 54+/-173, P<0.01, +11+/-32 U/year), faster with higher baseline AVC score (P<0.01). Compared with participants remaining free of AVC, de novo acquisition of AVC was associated with higher LDL-cholesterol (141+/-31 versus 121+/-27 mg/dL, P<0.05) and faster CAC progression (+78+/-87 versus +28+/-47 U/year, P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, LDL-cholesterol independently determined AVC acquisition while higher baseline AVC scores determined faster progression of existing AVC. CONCLUSION: In the population, AVC is frequent with aging and atherosclerotic risk factors. AVC is a marker of subclinical CAD. AVC is progressive, appearing de novo with progressive atherosclerosis whereas established AVC progresses independently of atherosclerotic risk factors and faster with increasing initial AVC loads.

Age Distribution↗

Three-dimensional evaluation of the mitral valve area and commissural opening before and after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy in patients with mitral stenosis.

AIMS: Management of patients with mitral stenosis (MS) relies on accurate evaluation of the mitral valve area (MVA). Planimetry (MVA(2D)) is considered as the reference method but must be performed at the tips of the leaflets with the correct plane orientation and therefore requires experienced operators. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) may overcome this limitation but its usefulness for experienced when compared with less experienced operators has not been evaluated. In addition, superiority of RT3DE for the evaluation of commissural splitting after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: 60 patients were prospectively evaluated by 2D and RT3DE before and after PMC by experienced operators. Before PMC, MVA(3D) was slightly higher than MVA(2D) (1.15 +/- 0.25 vs. 1.06 +/- 0.22 cm2, P = 0.0001) but correlation between methods was excellent (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001), mean difference was small (0.09 +/- 0.18 cm2) and clinically meaningless (three patients misclassified, two of whom had borderline MS severity). After PMC, MVA(3D) did not differ from and correlated well with MVA(2D) (1.87 +/- 0.37 vs. 1.85 +/- 0.32 cm2, P = 0.36; r = 0.76, P < 0.0001; mean difference 0.03 +/- 0.24 cm2). Twenty-five additional patients were also evaluated both by an experienced and a less experienced operators. Bland-Altman analysis showed the better agreement between MVA(3D) measured by the less experienced operator and MVA(2D) measured by the experienced operator than between MVA(2D) measured by the less experienced and the experienced operators (mean difference 0.03 +/- 0.34 vs. - 0.13 +/- 0.46 cm2, P = 0.03). When compared with RT3DE, 2DE underestimated the degree of commissural opening in 33% of patients and agreement between methods was weak (kappa = 0.41). CONCLUSION: RT3DE provides accurate MVA measurements similar to 2D planimetry performed by experienced operators. Thus, it does not provide a real advantage for experienced operators, whereas it seems particularly helpful for less experienced operators. In addition, RT3DE improves the description of valvular anatomy.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing determination of functional capacity in mitral regurgitation: physiologic and outcome implications.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate prevalence, determinants, and clinical outcome implications of reduced functional capacity (FC) in patients with organic mitral regurgitation (MR). BACKGROUND: Evaluation of FC by exercise testing is rarely performed in MR because little is known about the clinical determinants and outcome implications of FC. METHODS: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was prospectively performed in 134 asymptomatic patients with organic MR to assess FC (peak oxygen consumption [VO2]) simultaneously to Doppler-echocardiographic quantitation of MR (effective regurgitant orifice [ERO]) and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. RESULTS: Peak VO2 was 26 +/- 6 ml/kg/min (96 +/- 16% of age-predicted), but varied widely (57% to 145% of predicted) and was markedly reduced (< or =84% of predicted) in 19% of patients. Although ERO of MR was univariately associated with reduced FC (26 vs. 9% with ERO > or =40 vs. <40 mm2), independent determinants of reduced FC were LV diastolic function (higher E/E' ratio, p = 0.006), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.01), and lower forward stroke volume (p = 0.03). Clinical events (death, heart failure, new atrial fibrillation) and clinical events or surgery were more frequent with than without reduced FC (3 years, 36 +/- 14% vs. 13 +/- 4%, p = 0.02; and 66 +/- 11% vs. 29 +/- 5%, p = 0.001, respectively), even adjusting (risk ratios 1.80 and 1.54 respectively, both p < or = 0.03) for age and ERO. CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic organic MR, FC quantitatively assessed by CPET is unexpectedly markedly reduced in one out of every four to five patients. Reduced FC is independently determined by consequences rather than severity of MR and predicts increased subsequent clinical events. Therefore, CPET frequently reveals functional limitations not detected clinically and is an important tool in managing patients with organic MR.

Exercise Test↗

Evaluation of mitral valve area by the proximal isovelocity surface area method in mitral stenosis: could it be simplified?

AIM: One limitation for a wider use of the proximal isovelocity surface area method (PISA) for the evaluation of the mitral valve area (MVA) in patients with mitral stenosis (MS) is the requirement of an angle correction factor (angle alpha between the mitral leaflets) which cannot be obtained using the machine's built-in software and requires a manual measurement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if the use of a fixed angle could provide an acceptable MVA estimation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 48 patients (53 +/- 14 years, 75% female and 32% atrial fibrillation), MVA was prospectively measured by planimetry (MVA(2D)) and PISA (PISA(mes)). The angle alpha was manually measured on paper prints using a protractor. MVA(2D) was 1.38 +/- 0.56 cm(2) [0.5-2.40]. PISA(mes) (alpha = 104 +/- 13 degrees inter-quartiles 90-115) was 1.34 +/- 0.64 cm(2) [0.31-2.95] and did not differ from and correlated well with MVA(2D) (P = 0.25; r = 0.93, P < 0.0001). MVA estimated using the PISA method and a fixed angle value from 90 to 110 (MVA(alpha)(=90) to MVA(alpha)(=110)) progressively increased from 1.20 +/- 0.66 to 1.48 +/- 0.81 cm(2). Only MVA(alpha)(=100) (1.34 +/- 0.74 cm(2)) did not differ from and correlated well with both MVA(2D) and PISA(mes) (both P > 0.35 and r > 0.90, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The angle formed by the mitral leaflet only slightly changes in between patients and use of a fixed angle value of 100 degrees provides an accurate estimation of the MVA by the PISA method in patients with MS. This simplification would facilitate and extend the use of the PISA as an additional method for the assessment of MS severity in routine practice.

Adult↗

Association of B-type natriuretic peptide activation to left ventricular end-systolic remodeling in organic and functional mitral regurgitation.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is activated with mitral regurgitation (MR), but it is unclear whether BNP activation is uniform in organic and functional MR and whether it merely reflects symptoms or is a biomarker of left ventricular (LV) geometric and functional alterations. Comprehensive Doppler echocardiography and hormonal measurements were performed prospectively in 99 patients, 50 with organic MR, 28 with functional MR (with similar LV enlargement 130 +/- 21 vs 141 +/- 40, p = 0.18, and age 64 +/- 13 vs 66 +/- 12 years, p = 0.56) and 21 controls subjects of similar age. Compared with the controls, the patients with MR displayed LV remodeling and BNP activation. In those with functional MR compared with those with organic MR, despite a lower regurgitant volume (25 +/- 25 vs 96 +/- 29 ml), higher BNP levels were noted (385 +/- 388 vs 70 +/- 97 pg/ml, p <0.0001), even after stratification by functional class (class I 120 +/- 122 vs 33 +/- 40, class II 318 +/- 470 vs 74 +/- 69, class III to IV 487 +/- 383 vs 268 +/- 165 pg/ml, p = 0.006). The major determinant of BNP activation was the LV end-systolic volume index (p <0.0001), independent of MR etiology, symptoms, other hormonal activation, and hemodynamic characteristics. The BNP level is a biomarker of LV alteration in patients with MR, independent of MR etiology. With BNP >90 pg/ml, the odds ratio of an end-systolic volume index value of >/=60 ml/m(2) was 16 (95% confidence interval 5.5 to 45). In conclusion, BNP activation with MR is more pronounced in those with functional than those with organic MR, even after stratification for functional class, and independently reflects the severity of the LV alteration. Pronounced BNP activation is linked to a higher end-systolic volume index, for which it is a biomarker, irrespective of MR etiology and symptoms.

Aged↗

Decision-making in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis: why are so many denied surgery?

AIMS: To analyse decision-making in elderly patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS AND RESULTS: In the Euro Heart Survey on valvular heart disease, 216 patients aged > or =75 had severe AS (valve area < or =0.6 cm(2)/m(2) body surface area or mean gradient > or =50 mmHg) and angina or New York Heart Association class III or IV. Patient characteristics were analysed according to the decision to operate or not. A decision not to operate was taken in 72 patients (33%). In multivariable analysis, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction [OR = 2.27, 95% CI (1.32-3.97) for ejection fraction 30-50, OR = 5.15, 95% CI (1.73-15.35) for ejection fraction < or =30 vs. >50%, P = 0.003] and age [OR = 1.84, 95% CI (1.18-2.89) for 80-85 years, OR=3.38, 95% CI (1.38-8.27) for > or =85 vs. 75-80 years, P = 0.008] were significantly associated with the decision not to operate; however, the Charlson comorbidity index was not [OR = 1.72, 95% CI (0.83-3.50), P = 0.14 for index > or =2 vs. <2]. Neurological dysfunction was the only comorbidity significantly linked with the decision not to operate. CONCLUSION: Surgery was denied in 33% of elderly patients with severe, symptomatic AS. Older age and LV dysfunction were the most striking characteristics of patients who were denied surgery, whereas comorbidity played a less important role.

Age Factors↗

B-type natriuretic peptide in organic mitral regurgitation: determinants and impact on outcome.

BACKGROUND: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) activation observed in cardiac diseases is a predictor of poor outcome; however, in organic mitral regurgitation (MR), BNP determinants and prognostic value are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively enrolled 124 patients with chronic organic MR (aged 63+/-15 years, 60% males) in whom we measured BNP level and simultaneously quantified MR degree, left ventricular (LV) remodeling, and left atrial (LA) volumes and analyzed long-term outcome. Baseline BNP level (54+/-67 pg/mL, median 31 pg/mL) was associated univariately with multiple clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, but in multivariate analysis, independent determinants of BNP, beyond age and sex (both P< or =0.01), were LV end-systolic volume index, LA volume, atrial fibrillation, and symptoms (all P<0.02). Conversely, MR degree was not independently associated with BNP. During follow-up, patients with high versus low BNP (> or =31 versus <31 pg/mL) displayed lower survival rates (at 5 years, 72+/-10% versus 95+/-5%, P=0.03) and higher rates of the combined end point of death and heart failure (at 5 years, 42+/-10% versus 16+/-7%, P=0.03). In multivariate analysis, with adjustment for age, sex, functional class, MR severity, and ejection fraction, BNP was independently predictive of mortality (hazard ratio per 10 pg/mL, 1.23 [95% CI 1.07 to 1.48], P=0.004) and of death or heart failure (hazard ratio per 10 pg/mL, 1.09 [95% CI 1.001 to 1.19], P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: BNP activation in organic MR reflects primarily ventricular and atrial consequences rather than degree of MR. Higher BNP level in patients with organic MR independently predicts adverse events under conservative management. Therefore, BNP activation in organic MR is an emerging biomarker of severity of MR consequences and of poor clinical outcome, and its assessment should be considered in the clinical evaluation and risk stratification of patients with MR.

Aged↗

Quantitative determinants of the outcome of asymptomatic mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcome of asymptomatic mitral regurgitation is poorly defined, and the treatment is uncertain. We studied the effect on the outcome of quantifying mitral regurgitation according to recent guidelines. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 456 patients (mean [+/-SD] age, 63+/-14 years; 63 percent men; ejection fraction, 70+/-8 percent) with asymptomatic organic mitral regurgitation, quantified according to current recommendations (regurgitant volume, 66+/-40 ml per beat; effective regurgitant orifice, 40+/-27 mm2). RESULTS: The estimated five-year rates (+/-SE) of death from any cause, death from cardiac causes, and cardiac events (death from cardiac causes, heart failure, or new atrial fibrillation) with medical management were 22+/-3 percent, 14+/-3 percent, and 33+/-3 percent, respectively. Independent determinants of survival were increasing age, the presence of diabetes, and increasing effective regurgitant orifice (adjusted risk ratio per 10-mm2 increment, 1.18; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.30; P<0.01), the predictive power of which superseded all other qualitative and quantitative measures of regurgitation. Patients with an effective regurgitant orifice of at least 40 mm2 had a five-year survival rate that was lower than expected on the basis of U.S. Census data (58+/-9 percent vs. 78 percent, P=0.03). As compared with patients with a regurgitant orifice of less than 20 mm2, those with an orifice of at least 40 mm2 had an increased risk of death from any cause (adjusted risk ratio, 2.90; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.33 to 6.32; P<0.01), death from cardiac causes (adjusted risk ratio, 5.21; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.98 to 14.40; P<0.01), and cardiac events (adjusted risk ratio, 5.66; 95 percent confidence interval, 3.07 to 10.56; P<0.01). Cardiac surgery was ultimately performed in 232 patients and was independently associated with improved survival (adjusted risk ratio, 0.28; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.14 to 0.55; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative grading of mitral regurgitation is a powerful predictor of the clinical outcome of asymptomatic mitral regurgitation. Patients with an effective regurgitant orifice of at least 40 mm2 should promptly be considered for cardiac surgery.

Aged↗

Echocardiographic evaluation of the mitral valve area before and after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy: the pressure half-time method revisited.

BACKGROUND: Doppler pressure half-time (PHT) is widely used for mitral valve area (MVA) assessment but its accuracy has not been fully evaluated before and after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) in a large series of patients. METHODS: In 120 patients with severe mitral stenosis, MVA(PHT) was prospectively evaluated before and 24 to 48 hours after PMC and compared with 2-dimensional planimetry (MVA(2D)) as a reference method. RESULTS: After PMC, MVA(2D) significantly increased (1.81 +/- 0.30 vs 1.03 +/- 0.23 cm2, P < .0001), mean transmitral gradient decreased (5 +/- 3 vs 10 +/- 5 mm Hg, P < .0001), and a good valve opening (MVA(2D) > or = 1.5 cm2) was observed in 107 patients (89%). Before PMC, correlation between MVA(PHT) and MVA(2D) was only fair overall (r = 0.52, P < .0001) and weak in subgroups of older patients (> or = 60 years; r = 0.16, P = .37) and in patients in atrial fibrillation (r = 0.38, P < .05). After PMC, MVA(PHT) (1.62 +/- 0.39 cm2) was significantly lower than MVA(2D) (P < .0001) and correlation was poor overall (r = 0.30, P = .0004; mean difference 0.33 +/- 0.30 cm2) and in all subgroups (r < 0.35). However, for the prediction of a good valve opening, a PHT less than 130 milliseconds (observed in 43 patients, 36%) had an excellent specificity (100%) despite a poor sensitivity (44%). CONCLUSION: For MVA assessment, the PHT method should be used cautiously even before PMC, especially in older patients or those in atrial fibrillation. After PMC, it does not provide an accurate MVA evaluation but can still be used as a semiquantitative method: a PHT less than 130 milliseconds is associated with a good valve opening, which can be useful in difficult cases.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

Percutaneous valve procedures: present and future.

Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy and aortic valvuloplasty have been being performed since the mid-1980s. Balloon commissurotomy has been used in thousands of cases worldwide and it provides good short- and long-term results in a wide range of patients. It has virtually replaced surgical commissurotomy in the treatment of mitral stenosis. In contrast, percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty is almost abandoned worldwide due to its lack of efficacy and the risks involved. The new techniques of percutaneous valve intervention: aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair are at an early stage: the first in-man applications of these fledgling techniques started in 2002. Preliminary series show that they are feasible; however, they need to be further evaluated in comparison with contemporary treatment to assess accurately how efficient they are and the risks involved. Currently potential applications concern high-risk patients, however, in the future, after thorough evaluation, this may be extended to others. Thus, percutaneous interventions already play an important role in treatment of valvular heart disease, a role that seems set for future expansion.

Angiography↗

Atrial fibrillation after surgical correction of mitral regurgitation in sinus rhythm: incidence, outcome, and determinants.

BACKGROUND: The incidence, determinants, and outcome of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after surgery for mitral regurgitation (MR) are poorly defined but may have important implications for timing of mitral valve surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 762 patients in sinus rhythm with no AF history undergoing MR surgical correction, we examined the rates and prognostic implications of postoperative AF for early AF (within 2 weeks postoperatively) and late AF (>2 weeks after surgery). During postoperative follow-up, 180 patients (24%) experienced new AF (early AF in 136 and late AF in 111). Isolated early AF without recurrence was observed in 69 patients characterized by high angina class and lower left ventricular ejection fraction but no significant left atrial (LA) enlargement. However, overall early AF predicted late AF: 62+/-5% of patients with early AF had late AF at 10 years compared with 9+/-1% of patients without early AF (P<0.0001). Large LA size strongly and independently predicted early AF (P=0.01) and late AF (P=0.003). For late AF, the predictive value of an enlarged LA was cumulative to that of early AF. Postoperative AF was associated with an increased subsequently higher risk of stroke or congestive heart failure (adjusted risk ratio=1.46 [1.04 to 2.05], P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative AF is common after surgical correction of MR in patients with no prior history of AF and is associated with increased subsequent morbidity. LA enlargement is independently predictive of postoperative AF and as such, should be integrated into the clinical decision-making process in patients with MR.

Aged↗

Evaluation and clinical implications of aortic valve calcification measured by electron-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) is used to measure coronary calcification but not for aortic valve calcification (AVC). Its accuracy, association with aortic stenosis (AS) severity, and diagnostic and prognostic value with respect to AVC are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 30 explanted aortic valves, the AVC score by EBCT (1125+/-1294 Agatston units [AU]) showed a strong linear correlation (r=0.96, P<0.0001) with valvular calcium weight (653+/-748 mg) by pathology that allowed estimation of calcium weight as AVC score/1.7, with a small standard error of the estimate (53 mg). In 100 consecutive clinical patients, we measured AVC by EBCT and AS severity by echocardiographic aortic valve area (AVA). The AVC score was 1316+/-1749 AU (range 0 to 7226 AU). Intraobserver and interobserver variabilities were excellent (4+/-4% and 4+/-10%, respectively). AVC and AVA were strongly associated (r=0.79, P<0.0001) but had a curvilinear relationship that suggested that AVC and AVA provide complementary information. AVC score > or =1100 AU provided 93% sensitivity and 82% specificity for diagnosis of severe AS (AVA <1 cm2), with a receiver operator characteristic curve area of 0.89. AVC assessment by echocardiography was often more severe than by EBCT (P<0.0001). During follow-up, 22 patients either died, developed heart failure, or required surgery. With adjustment for age, sex, symptoms, ejection fraction, and AVA, the AVC score was independently predictive of event-free survival (risk ratio 1.06 per 100-AU increment [1.02 to 1.10], P<0.001), even after adjustment for echocardiographic calcifications. CONCLUSIONS: AVC is accurately and reproducibly measured by EBCT and shows a strong association and diagnostic value for severe AS. The curvilinear relationship between AVC and AVA suggests these measures are complementary, and indeed, AVC provides independent outcome information. Thus, AVC is an important measurement in the evaluation of patients with AS.

Aortic Valve↗

Medical and surgical outcome of tricuspid regurgitation caused by flail leaflets.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the medical and surgical outcome of tricuspid regurgitation caused by flail leaflets. METHODS: We analyzed the cause, clinical presentation, outcome, and natural history of 60 patients with tricuspid regurgitation caused by flail leaflets, a cause of mostly severe and organic tricuspid regurgitation, diagnosed by means of echocardiography between 1980 and 2000. RESULTS: The main cause was traumatic (62%). Clinical presentation was often severe: 57% were symptomatic, 33% had a history of congestive heart failure, and 40% had a history of atrial fibrillation. Compared with expected survival of the US matched population, excess mortality (39% +/- 10% at 10 years or 4.5% yearly, P <.01) was observed. Even patients asymptomatic at presentation experienced high tricuspid-related event rates (at 10 years, 75% +/- 15% had symptoms or heart failure, atrial fibrillation, surgical intervention, or death). In those patients severe enlargement of right-sided chambers was predictive of poor outcome (at 5 years: 86% +/- 9% vs 39% +/- 11%, P <.01) independent of cause (P =.31). The poor medical outcome was further confirmed by high event rates (69% +/- 9% at 15 years) in the natural history beginning from the flail's occurrence. Tricuspid operations were performed in 33 patients (55% +/- 7% at 5 years), with valve repair in 82%, low mortality (3%), and, despite frequently refractory atrial fibrillation, symptomatic improvement in 88%. CONCLUSION: Tricuspid regurgitation caused by flail leaflets is a serious disease associated with excess mortality and high morbidity. Tricuspid valve repair can often be performed with low risk, allowing symptomatic improvement. These results suggest that surgical intervention should be considered early in the course of the disease before the occurrence of irreversible consequences.

Female↗

Sequential assessment of mitral valve area during diastole using colour M-mode flow convergence analysis: new insights into mitral stenosis physiology.

AIMS: In mitral stenosis (MS) transvalvular flow and velocity continually change throughout diastole but for mitral valve area (MVA), flow-dependent variations (valve reserve) are unknown. These physiologic changes can be studied by the proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method, using the high temporal resolution of colour M-mode, essential for simultaneous measurements of flow and velocity. Hence, we aimed to validate the colour M-mode PISA method for measurement of MVA in MS and to define using this method the physiologic flow-dependent changes of MVA during diastole. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 50 patients with native MS, MVA was measured by planimetry (MVA-2D), Doppler pressure half-time (MVA-PHT), and two-dimensional PISA (2D-PISA). MVA measurement by colour M-mode PISA in early diastole (M-PISA) (1.27+/-0.46 cm(2)) with rigorously timed flow and velocity measurements by continuous wave Doppler did not differ and correlated well with MVA-2D (1.29+/-0.44 cm(2), p=0.59; r=0.85, p<0.001) and MVA-PHT (1.30+/-0.41 cm(2), p=0.52; r=0.80, p<0.001). In contrast a trend towards underestimation of MVA by 2D-PISA was observed (1.23+/-0.42 cm(2); p=0.10 and p=0.07). Timed analysis of transvalvular haemodynamics at early, mid, mid-late, and late diastole showed marked changes in flow and velocities (both p<0.0001) but not in MVA (respectively 1.27+/-0.46, 1.29+/-0.47, 1.28+/-0.51 and 1.27+/-0.49 cm(2); ns). CONCLUSIONS: In MS, the high temporal resolution of colour M-mode PISA allows accurate MVA measurements. It also allows for the first time, sequential MVA assessment during diastole. Notwithstanding marked flow and velocities changes, MVA remained unchanged throughout diastole underscoring the lack of flow-related valvular reserve in MS.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

[Role of echocardiography in the detection and prognosis of ischemic mitral regurgitation].

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is mitral regurgitation (MR) due to complications of coronary artery disease and not fortuitously associated with it. Acute MR secondary to ruptured papillary muscle after myocardial infarction is rare and often fatal. We focus on functional MR, much more common, which occurs without any intrinsic valve disease. It was often underrated because of low murmur intensity but with the use of echocardiography this complication is observed between 15%-20% after a myocardial infarction. Recent advances in noninvasive Doppler echocardiography allow accurate assessment of regurgitant volume and effective regurgitant orifice and thus provide the tools to reliably evaluate the prognosis and mechanisms of IMR. IMR presence is associated with excess mortality. The mortality risk is directly related to the degree of regurgitation and a regurgitant volume > or = 30 ml or an effective regurgitant orifice > or = 20 mm2; define a high-risk group. Presence and degree of the regurgitation are related to local left ventricular remodeling. The apical and posterior displacement of papillary muscles leads to excess valvular tenting which in turn, in association with loss of systolic annular contraction, determines the severity of the regurgitation. In current clinical practice, IMR is mainly corrected by ring annuloplasty. However, this technique does not correct local alterations of left ventricular remodeling and its benefits on long-term outcome remains to be demonstrated.

Humans↗