2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease

Warfarin resistance: possibilities to solve this problem. A case report

Effective prevention of thromboembolism is essential for patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves. For this group of patients, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) remain the drug group of choice despite the widespread use of new anticoagulants in other diseases. As a consequence, warfarin resistance remains a serious challenge for physicians. The current report describes a 65-year-old male patient that had a mechanical prosthetic aortic valve implanted due to severe aortic insufficiency after infective endocarditis. Despite consistent increases in his warfarin dose, the level of international normalized ratio (INR) remained very low. The patient was considered to have warfarin resistance. Warfarin was successfully replaced by another VKA, acenocoumarol, which resulted in a stable INR observed over 1 year of follow-up. Achieving the target INR in patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves using VKAs is the main goal of thromboprophylaxis. Although the genetic changes that cause warfarin resistance are understood, the options to overcome these pharmacogenetic issues remain limited. Based on the success with this current patient, physicians with similar patients with warfarin resistance might wish to consider replacing warfarin with acenocoumarol.

Outcomes in Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

The use of valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) is increasing, but studies evaluating clinical outcomes in these patients are scarce. Also, there are limited data to guide the choice of valve type in ViV-TAVI. Therefore, this CENTER-study evaluated clinical outcomes in patients with ViV-TAVI compared to patients with native valve TAVI (NV-TAVI). In addition, we compared outcomes in patients with ViV-TAVI treated with self-expandable versus balloon-expandable valves. A total of 256 patients with ViV-TAVI and 11333 patients with NV-TAVI were matched 1:2 using propensity score matching, resulting in 256 patients with ViV-TAVI and 512 patients with NV-TAVI. Mean age was 81±7 years, 58% were female, and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality was 6.3% (4.0% to 12.8%). Mortality rates were comparable between ViV-TAVI and NV-TAVI patients at 30 days (4.1% vs 5.9%, p = 0.30) and 1 year (14.2% vs 17.3%, p = 0.34). Stroke rates were also similar at 30 days (2.8% vs 1.8%, p = 0.38) and 1 year (4.9% vs 4.3%, p = 0.74). Permanent pacemakers were less frequently implanted in patients with ViV-TAVI (8.8% vs 15.0%, relative risk 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37 to 0.92, p = 0.02). Patients with ViV-TAVI were treated with self-expandable valves (n = 162) and balloon-expandable valves (n = 94). Thirty-day major bleeding was less frequent in patients with self-expandable valves (3% vs 13%, odds ratio 5.12, 95% CI 1.42 to 18.52, p = 0.01). Thirty-day mortality was numerically lower in patients with self-expandable valves (3% vs 7%, odds ratio 3.35, 95% CI 0.77 to 14.51, p = 0.11). In conclusion, ViV-TAVI seems a safe and effective treatment for failing bioprosthetic valves with low mortality and stroke rates comparable to NV-TAVI for both valve types.

Paravalvular Leak Echo Imaging before and during the Percutaneous Procedure

Percutaneous device closure has become a valuable alternative to surgery in the management of paravalvular leaks. Consequently, imaging in these patients is currently not only meant to verify the hemodynamic significance of the lesion but also to assess the feasibility of transcatheter treatment. We present a methodology of comprehensive echocardiography assessment that allows for the selection of patients and plans the intervention. Next, procedure-oriented steps of echocardiography imaging, which are essential for eventual success, are reviewed.

Advances in Clinical Cardiology 2021: A Summary of Key Clinical Trials

INTRODUCTION

Over the course of 2021, numerous key clinical trials with valuable contributions to clinical cardiology were published or presented at major international conferences. This review seeks to summarise these trials and reflect on their clinical context.

METHODS

The authors reviewed clinical trials presented at major cardiology conferences during 2021 including the American College of Cardiology (ACC), European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EuroPCR), European Society of Cardiology (ESC), Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT), American Heart Association (AHA), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), TVT-The Heart Summit (TVT) and Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT). Trials with a broad relevance to the cardiology community and those with potential to change current practice were included.

RESULTS

A total of 150 key cardiology clinical trials were identified for inclusion. Interventional cardiology data included trials evaluating the use of new generation novel stent technology and new intravascular physiology strategies such as quantitative flow ratio (QFR) to guide revascularisation in stable and unstable coronary artery disease. New trials in acute coronary syndromes focused on shock, out of hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA), the impact of COVID-19 on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) networks and optimal duration/type of antiplatelet treatment. Structural intervention trials included latest data on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and mitral, tricuspid and pulmonary valve interventions. Heart failure data included trials with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, sacubitril/valsartan and novel drugs such as mavacamten for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Prevention trials included new data on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. In electrophysiology, new data regarding atrial fibrillation (AF) screening and new evidence for rhythm vs. rate control strategies were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

This article presents a summary of key clinical cardiology trials published and presented during the past year and should be of interest to both practising clinicians and researchers.

First-in-Human Study of the Novel Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair System for Mitral Regurgitation

Transcatheter mitral valve intervention treatment is a promising alternative therapy for patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). This is a multicenter, prospective, first-in-human study of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using a novel device for severe MR. Safety and efficacy were assessed immediately after the procedure and at 30-day follow-up. Twenty-three patients (age 70.0 ± 5.2 years) who were at high/prohibitive surgical risk underwent successful procedures without major periprocedural complications. All patients achieved residual MR ≤2+ at discharge, with 73.9% with 1+ residual MR. The left ventricular end-systolic diameter improved from 4.1 cm at baseline to 3.4 cm at 30-day follow-up. New York Heart Association functional class I/II after TEER was achieved in 87% of patients. This study demonstrated that TEER with the device was feasible and safe for the treatment of patients with severe MR. (Dragonfly-M Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair System Early Feasibility Study; NCT04528576).

Mid-term results of surgical aortic valve replacement with bioprostheses in hemodialysis patients

•

HD patients underwent SAVR-BP for AS (hospital mortality, 8.8%; 5-year mortality, 42.1%).

•

Preoperative risk factors for 5-year mortality: age, hyperlipidemia, LVDd, LVDs, and Japan SCORE.

•

Postoperative risk factors for 5-year mortality: length of ICU stay, and albumin level at discharge.

Background

Limited studies have assessed the factors affecting prognosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients who undergo surgical aortic valve replacement with a bioprostheses (SAVR-BP). This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of HD patients who had undergone SAVR-BP for aortic stenosis (AS) and identify the risk factors for mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study included 57 HD patients who had undergone SAVR-BP for AS between July 2009 and December 2020. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict factors associated with mid-term outcomes and death or survival. Kaplan − Meier curves were also generated for mid-term survival.

Results

The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.8%, and the 5-year mortality rate was 42.1%. The independent predictors of 5-year mortality were preoperative age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.175–2.083, p = 0.002), hyperlipidemia (HR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.002–0.297, p = 0.004), left ventricular diastolic diameter (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.142–2.649, p = 0.010), left ventricular systolic diameter (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.392–0.939, p = 0.025), and Japan SCORE (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.052–1.563, p = 0.014). The postoperative predictors included intensive care unit stay (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.035–1.194, p = 0.004) and albumin level (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.196–0.725, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The 5-year prognosis of HD patients undergoing SAVR may be improved by early diagnosis (before the occurrence of LV hypertrophy/enlargement) and nutritional management with oral intake to alleviate postoperative hypoalbuminemia.

Registration number of clinical studies: UMIN000047410.

Bioprosthetic vs. Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Patients Aged 50–70 Years

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a critical problem in developing countries and is the cause of most of the cardiovascular adverse events in young people. In patients aged 50–70 years with RHD requiring mitral valve replacement (MVR), deciding between bioprosthetic and mechanical prosthetic valves remains controversial because few studies have defined the long-term outcomes.

Methods

1,691 Patients aged 50–70 years with RHD who received mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVRm) or bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement (MVRb) were retrospectively reviewed in Fuwai hospital from 2010 to 2014. Follow-up ended 31/12/2021; median duration was 8.0 years [interquartile range (IQR), 7.7–8.3 years]. Propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio for 24 baseline features between MVRm and MVRb yielded 300 patient pairs. The primary late outcome was postoperative mid- to long-term all-cause mortality.

Results

Ten-year survival after MVR was 63.4% in the MVRm group and 63.7% in the MVRb group (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.69–1.21; P = 0.528). The cumulative incidence of mitral valve reoperation was 0.0% in the MVRm group and 1.2% in the MVRb group (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.69–1.21; P = 0.530). The cumulative incidence of stroke was 5.5% in the MVRm group and 6.1% in the MVRb group (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.67–1.18; P = 0.430). The cumulative incidence of major bleeding events was 3.3% in the MVRm group and 3.4% in the MVRb group (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.70–1.22; P = 0.560).

Conclusions

In patients aged 50–70 years with RHD who underwent mitral valve replacement, there was no significant difference on survival, stroke, mitral valve reoperation and major bleeding events at 10 years. These findings suggest mechanical mitral valve replacement may be a more reasonable alternative in patients aged 50–70 years with rheumatic heart disease.

DOACs in Mechanical and Bioprosthetic Heart Valves: A Narrative Review of Emerging Data and Future Directions

In the recent years, there has been significant transformation in the management of valvular heart disease (VHD), as a result of new minimally invasive technologies, such as the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Conventionally, mechanical heart valves require anticoagulation with warfarin to prevent thrombogenic events. Lately, there has been an uptrend in the usage of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in both mechanical and bioprosthetic heart valves. In clinical practice, there has shown to be notable heterogeneity in the antithrombotic regimen for patients. Recommendations from clinical guidelines and emerging data on DOAC use in these settings will be critically reviewed here. Future large, randomized-controlled trials are warranted to delineate the role of DOACs in patients receiving a bioprosthetic valve/TAVI or mechanical heart valve, with and without a baseline indication for anticoagulation or antiplatelets. Until clinical trial data from well-designed studies are available, providers must remain vigilant about DOAC use in patients with VHD, especially in patients with a bioprosthetic or mechanical heart valve.

Prevalence of left ventricular thrombus formation after mitral valve edge-to-edge repair

The prevalence of left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation following percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TMVR) with the MitraClip system is unclear. Decreased total stroke volume and perfusion of the LV apex after mitral valve repair may facilitate thrombus formation especially in the context of reduced LV function. LV thrombus may cause disabling stroke or other thromboembolic events in this elderly and multimorbid patient cohort. Analyses of the prevalence of and risk factors for left ventricular thrombus formation in patients treated with the MitraClip system due to severe mitral valve regurgitation. All discharge and follow-up transthoracic echocardiographic examinations up to 6 months of 453 consecutive patients treated with the MitraClip system were screened for the presence of LV thrombus. Prevalence of LV thrombus formation was 1.1% (5/453). Importantly, LV thrombi were exclusively found in patients with severely depressed left ventricular systolic function (LV-EF < 30%), comprising a prevalence of 4.4% in this subgroup (5/113). Importantly, two of these patients were under active DOAC therapy with Rivaroxaban and Apixaban, respectively. Apart from LV-EF, we did not identify other factors that might have facilitated LV thrombus formation. LV thrombus formation following percutaneous mitral valve repair occurred exclusively in patients with severely depressed LV-EF. As two patients developed LV thrombus despite of DOAC therapy, anticoagulation with a Vitamin K antagonist should be considered in patients with an indication for oral anticoagulation following TMVR.

Transcatether Aortic Valve Implantation to Treat Degenerated Surgical Bioprosthesis: Focus on the Specific Procedural Challenges

Actually transcatheter aortic valve implantation within failed surgically bioprosthetic valves (VIV-TAVI) is an established procedure in patients at high risk for repeat surgical aortic valve intervention. Although less invasive than surgical reintervention, VIV-TAVI procedure offers potential challenges, such as higher rates of prosthesis-patient mismatch and coronary obstruction. Thus, optimal procedural planning plays an important role to minimize the risk of procedure complications. In this review, we describe the key points of a VIV-TAVI procedure to optimize outcomes and reduce the risk of procedure complications.

Fifteen-Year Outcomes After Valve-sparing Aortic Root Remodelling or Exclusion of the Non-Coronary Sinus: When to Preserve the Sinuses of Valsalva?

BACKGROUND

Isolated exclusion of the non-coronary sinus (NCS) is an attractive strategy in valve-sparing aortic root surgery, which avoids the mobilisation and re-implantation of coronary ostia. However, the long-term durability of aortic valve repair and the fate of remnant sinuses of Valsalva remain unclear.

METHOD

From January 2006 to December 2013, 29 patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta extending to the NCS (group NCS) and 56 patients underwent a modified Yacoub procedure (group MY) in our centre by a single surgeon. Significant difference of preoperative parameters was observed between two groups in the presence of bicuspid aortic valve (41.4% vs 12.5%, p=0.002) and the diameter of the sinus of Valsalva (47.3±4.7 mm vs 51.5±4.9 mm, p=0.01).

RESULTS

The group NCS, as compared to the group MY, was associated with significantly shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (106.6±40.5 min vs 138.4±37.5 min, p=0.001) and aortic cross clamping time (69.0±21.8 min vs 105.4±27.8 min, p<0.01). The mean follow-up was 11.5±2.8 years. No surgical re-intervention was performed for aortopathies of the aortic root; the neo-sinus were not dilated in either groups (38.2±4.2 mm vs 34.0±4.0 mm, p<0.01). The 10-year freedom from aortic valve-related re-operation was estimated to be 96.6±3.4% and 94.5±3.1% (p=0.58), and the cumulative 10-year survival rates were 95.2±4.6% and 85.6±4.7% (p=0.61) in the group NCS and the group MY, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic valve-sparing isolated NCS replacement can be safely performed in selected patients; its early outcomes, overall survival and long-term freedom from aortic valve-related or aortopathy-related re-intervention were comparable to those obtained with the Yacoub procedure.

Evolving Indications of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement—Where Are We Now, and Where Are We Going

Indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have steadily increased over the last decade since the first trials including inoperable or very high risk patients. Thus, TAVR is now the most common treatment of aortic valve stenosis in elderly patients (vs. surgical aortic valve replacement -SAVR-). In this review, we summarize the current indications of TAVR and explore future directions in which TAVR indications can expand.

Clinical outcomes and predictors in patients with previous cardiac surgery undergoing mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

BACKGROUND

Mitral-valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MV-TEER) is recommended in patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and in those with degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) not eligible to traditional surgery. Patients with a history of previous cardiac surgery are considered at high risk for surgical reintervention, but data are lacking regarding procedural and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and clinical results of MV-TEER in patients with previous cardiac surgery enrolled in the "multicentre Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology registry of transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation" (GIOTTO).

METHODS

Patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), or mitral valve repair (MVR) were included. Those with multiple or combined previous cardiac surgeries were excluded. Clinical follow-up was performed at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years. The primary endpoint was a composite of death or rehospitalization at 1- and 2-year follow-ups.

RESULTS

A total of 330 patients enrolled in the GIOTTO registry were considered (CABG 77.9%, AVR 14.2%, and MVR 7.9%). Most patients showed FMR (66.9%), moderate reduction of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, and signs of LV dilation. Procedural and device successes were 94.8% and 97%. At 1 and 2 years, the composite endpoint occurred are 29.1% and 52.4%, respectively. The composite outcome rates were similar across the three subgroups of previous cardiac surgery (p = 0.928) and between the FMR and DMR subgroups (p = 0.850) at 2 years. In a multivariate analysis, residual mitral regurgitation (rMR) ≥2+ was the main predictor of adverse events at 1 year (hazard ratio: 1.54 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.00-2.38]; p = 0.050). This association was confirmed at 2 years of Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MV-TEER is effective in these patients, regardless of the subtype of previous cardiac surgery and the MR etiology. An rMR ≥2+ is independently associated with adverse outcomes at 1-year follow-up.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Pre-TAVR: Current State of the Evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review intends to give an up-to-date overview of the current state of evidence in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), focusing on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) pre-TAVR.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recently published ACTIVATION trial is the 1st randomized trial comparing coronary revascularization (PCI) versus medical treatment in patients with significant CAD undergoing TAVR. With the caveat of several major limitations of the trial, the results of this study raised the question about the appropriateness of the common practice to routinely revascularize coronary stenosis before TAVR. Aortic valve stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease among the elderly and it often co-occurs with CAD. TAVR is increasingly considered an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement not only in the elderly population but also in younger and lower-risk patients. The impact of co-existing CAD on clinical outcomes as well as the optimal timing of PCI in TAVR candidates is still unclear and the subject of ongoing randomized trials. Meanwhile, it is common practice in many centers to routinely perform invasive coronary angiography and PCI for significant coronary disease as part of the TAVR workup. While computed tomography angiography has emerged as a possible alternative to the invasive coronary angiography in patients with low pre-test probability for CAD, the value of functional invasive assessment of coronary lesions in the pre-TAVR setting has still to be clarified. Also, there is an increasing interest in the clinical relevance and optimal management of the potentially challenging coronary access post-TAVR, requiring further research.

Clinical Impact of Heart Team Decisions for Patients With Complex Valvular Heart Disease: A Large, Single-Center Experience

Background

A multidisciplinary approach might be pivotal for the management of patients with valvular heart disease (VHD), but clinical outcome data are lacking.

Methods and Results

At our institution, since 2014, internal guidelines recommended heart team consultations for patients with VHD. The clinical/echocardiographic characteristics, treatment recommendations, performed treatment, and early clinical outcomes of consecutive, hospitalized patients with VHD undergoing heart team evaluation were collected. Surgical risk was prospectively assessed by the EuroSCORE II and STS‐PROM. The primary end point of the study was early mortality. A total of 1004 patients with VHD with high clinical complexity (mean age, 75 years; mean EuroSCORE II, 9.4%; mean STS‐PROM, 5.6%; 48% ischemic heart disease; 29% chronic kidney disease, 9% oncologic/hematologic diseases) were enrolled. The heart team recommended an interventional treatment for 807 (80%) patients and conservative management for 197 (20%) patients. Management crossovers occurred in only 5% of patients. The recommended intervention was cardiac surgery for 230 (23%) patients, percutaneous treatment in 516 (51%) patients, and hybrid treatment in 61 (6%) patients. Early mortality occurred in 24 patients (2.4%) and was independently predicted by aortic stenosis, left ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and conservative management recommendation. In patients referred to treatment, observed early mortality (1.7%) was significantly lower (P<0.001) than expected on the bases of both the STS‐PROM (5.2%) and EuroSCORE II (9.7%).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of its single‐center and observational design, the present study suggests that heart team–based management of patients with complex VHD is feasible and allows referral to a wide spectrum of interventions with promising early clinical results.

Economic Evaluation of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Compared to Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Chinese Intermediate-Risk Patients

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a severe disease that causes heart failure and sudden death. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) are both recommended for patients with intermediate surgical risk, but the cost-effectiveness of TAVR compared to SAVR in China has not been investigated.

Methods

A combined decision tree and Markov model were conducted to compare the cost-effectiveness of TAVR versus SAVR with a 5-year simulation. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), a ratio of incremental costs to incremental quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). One-way sensitive analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were conducted to test the robustness of the model.

Results

After a simulation of 5 years, the costs of TAVR and SAVR were 54,573 and 35,002 USD, respectively, and the corresponding effectiveness was 2.826 versus 2.712 QALY, respectively. The ICER for the TAVR versus SAVR comparison was 170,056 USD/QALY, which was three times higher than the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in China. One-way sensitive analysis showed that the cost of the TAVR device impacted the ICER. The TAVR could be cost-effective only in the case where its cost is lowered to 29,766 USD.

Conclusion

TAVR is currently not cost-effective in China, but it could be cost-effective with a reduction of costs to 29,766 USD, which is approximately 65% of the current price.

United Kingdom standards for non-invasive cardiac imaging: recommendations from the Imaging Council of the British Cardiovascular Society

Heart and circulatory diseases affect more than seven million people in the UK. Non-invasive cardiac imaging is a critical element of contemporary cardiology practice. Progressive improvements in technology over the last 20 years have increased diagnostic accuracy in all modalities and led to the incorporation of non-invasive imaging into many standard cardiac clinical care pathways. Cardiac imaging tests are requested by a variety of healthcare practitioners and performed in a range of settings from the most advanced hospitals to local health centres. Imaging is used to detect the presence and consequences of cardiovascular disease, as well as to monitor the response to therapies. The previous UK national imaging strategy statement which brought together all of the non-invasive imaging modalities was published in 2010. The purpose of this document is to collate contemporary standards developed by the modality-specific professional organisations which make up the British Cardiovascular Society Imaging Council, bringing together common and essential recommendations. The development process has been inclusive and iterative. Imaging societies (representing both cardiology and radiology) reviewed and agreed on the initial structure. The final document therefore represents a position, which has been generated inclusively, presents rigorous standards, is applicable to clinical practice and deliverable. This document will be of value to a variety of healthcare professionals including imaging departments, the National Health Service or other organisations, regulatory bodies, commissioners and other purchasers of services, and service users, i.e., patients, and their relatives.

Prediction of Aortic Stenosis Progression by 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET/CT in Different Aortic Valve Phenotypes

Background: Different imaging techniques, such as echocardiography (ECHO) and CT, allow to assess aortic stenosis (AS) severity and could be used to study its progression. But only PET/CT open opportunities to assess activity of valvular inflammation and calcification in vivo. The aim of this study was to assess prognostic value of valvular inflammation and calcification measured by 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET/CT in patients with tricuspid (TAV) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Methods: The study included 71 patients aged 40-70 years with mild, moderate and severe asymptomatic calcific AS. Patients were divided into two groups according to valve morphology: with BAV and TAV. All patients underwent standard ECHO, CT calcium scoring PET/CT with 18F-NaF and 18F-FDG. All patients were evaluated during a follow-up visit with evaluation of ECHO parameters. (16.8 ± 4.2 months). Results: TAV and BAV groups were comparable in AS severity by ECHO (peak aortic jet velocity (Vmax): 2.90 [2.60; 3.50] vs. 2.96 [2.55; 3.31] m/s, p = 0.83). TBR max 18F-FDG did not vary in TAV and BAV patients (1.15 [1.06; 1.23] vs. 1.11 [1.03; 1.20], p = 0.39). Both groups did not differ in valvular calcification degree (Agatston score 1,058 [440; 1798] vs. 1,128 [533; 2,360], p = 0.55) and calcification activity assessed by 18F-NaF uptake level (TBR max 1.50 [1.30; 1.78] vs. 1.48 [1.27; 1.83], p = 0.97). 18F-NaF TBR max was associated with AS severity measured by Vmax in men and women with TAV (r = 0.54; p = 0.04 vs. r = 0.53; p = 0.03). In BAV group this relationship was true only in female patients (r = 0.1; p = 0.67 vs. r = 0.7; p = 0.0004). There was no association between Vmax and TBR max 18F-FDG was revealed in TAV and BAV groups. During follow-up period, the most important positive predictors of AS progression in TAV obtained by multinomial logistic regression analysis were Vmax, and 18F-NaF TBR. Whereas in BAV the highest predictive value showed model included age and Vmax. Conclusion: 18F-NaF PET/CT may be considered as the valuable predictor for hemodynamic progression of calcific AS in case of TAV. 18F-FDG PET/CT does not play a significant role to predict the AS progression.

Prognostic Value of Modified Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Scores in Patients With Significant Tricuspid Regurgitation

AIMS

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may cause damage to liver and kidney function. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) and the model with albumin replacing international normalized ratio (MELD-Albumin) scores, which include both liver and kidney function indexes, may predict mortality in patients with TR. The study aimed to analyze the prognostic value of MELD-XI and MELD-Albumin scores in patients with significant TR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 1825 patients with at least moderate pure native TR from the China Valvular Heart Disease study between April and June 2018, were included in this analysis. The primary outcome was all-cause death within 2 years. Of 1825 patients, 165 (9.0%) died during follow-up. Restricted cubic splines revealed that hazard ratio for death increased monotonically with greater modified MELD scores. The MELD-XI and MELD-Albumin scores, as continuous variables or categorized using thresholds determined by maximally selected rank statistics, were independently associated with 2-year mortality (all adjusted P<0.001). Both scores provided incremental value over prognostic model without hepatorenal indexes (MELD-XI score: net reclassification index [95% confidence interval], 0.237 [0.138-0.323]; MELD-Albumin score: net reclassification index [95% confidence interval], 0.220 [0.122-0.302]). Results were similar in clinically meaningful subgroups, including but not limited to patients under medical treatment and with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Models including modified MELD scores were established for prognostic evaluation of significant TR.

CONCLUSION

Both MELD-XI and MELD-Albumin scores provided incremental prognostic information, and could play important roles in risk assessment in patients with significant TR.

Transcatheter Treatment of Mitral Regurgitation

Mitral valve disease, and in particular mitral regurgitation, is a common clinical entity. Until recently, surgical repair and replacement were the only therapeutic options available, leaving many patients untreated mostly due to excessive surgical risk. Over the last number of years, huge strides have been made regarding percutaneous, catheter-based solutions for mitral valve disease. Transcatheter repair procedures have most commonly been used, and in recent years there has been exponential growth in the number of devices available for transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Furthermore, the evolution of these devices has resulted in both smaller delivery systems and a shift towards transeptal access, negating the need for surgical incisions. In line with these advancements, and clinical trials demonstrating promising outcomes in carefully selected cases, recent guidelines have strengthened their recommendations for these devices. It is appropriate, therefore, to now review the current transcatheter repair and replacement devices available and the evidence for their use.

External ring annuloplasty: a safe landing zone for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Aortic stenosis in patients with previous valve-sparing root replacement represents a challenge given the substantial morbidity and mortality rates in case of reoperation. Here, we present the case of a patient with late severe aortic stenosis 12 years after valve-sparing aortic root replacement. He was successfully treated by transapical aortic valve implantation. External ring annuloplasty, by reducing the native annulo-aortic ectasia, allows transcatheter aortic valve replacement in case of stenotic deterioration of the native valve after valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

Impact of On-Clopidogrel Platelet Reactivity on Incidence of Peri-Interventional Bleeding in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has previously been recommended after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and is still the standard of care in patients who underwent coronary stent placement within 3 months prior to TAVI. This study sought to evaluate whether on-treatment platelet reactivity is a predictor for the occurrence of bleeding events after TAVI. This study enrolled 484 patients undergoing TAVI from November 2013 until April 2018. Patients were either on long-term DAPT with clopidogrel and ASA or received loading doses of both drugs before TAVI, reflecting the standard of care at the time of the patient's enrollment. Platelet reactivity was determined by multi-electrode impedance aggregometry before TAVI, at days 1 and 5 thereafter. Peri-interventional bleeding was assessed up to 5 days following TAVI and coded according to BARC-classification. Bleeding events were seen in 199 (41.1%) patients. The most frequent were BARC 2 bleeding cases (24.2%), followed by BARC 1 (6.0%), BARC 3b (5.2%), and BARC 3a (4.5%) cases. Low on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity before TAVI was present in 243 patients, of which 44.4% had a bleeding event. In contrast, the incidence of bleeding was 30.5% in the 95 patients with high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified low/normal/high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity (OR: 0.533; CI: 0.309-0.917; p = 0.023) and use of oral anticoagulation (OR: 1.766; CI: 1.209-2.581; p = 0.003) as strongest predictors for peri-interventional bleeding events. These findings support current recommendations advocating against the routine use of dual antiplatelet therapy following TAVI.

Associations between medical therapy after surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis and long-term mortality: a report from the SWEDEHEART registry

AIMS

The association between the use of statins, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, and/or β-blockers and long-term mortality in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients with AS who underwent isolated first-time SAVR in Sweden from 2006 to 2017 and survived 6 months after discharge were included. Individual patient data from four mandatory nationwide registries were merged. Cox proportional hazards models, with time-updated data on medication status and adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, type of prosthesis, and year of surgery, were used to investigate associations between dispensed statins, RAS inhibitors, and β-blockers and all-cause mortality. In total, 9553 patients were included, and the median follow-up time was 4.9 years (range 0-11); 1738 patients (18.2%) died during follow-up. Statins were dispensed to 49.1% and 49.0% of the patients within 6 months of discharge from the hospital and after 10 years, respectively. Corresponding figures were 51.4% and 53.9% for RAS inhibitors and 79.3% and 60.7% for β-blockers. Ongoing treatment was associated with lower mortality risk for statins {adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.67 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.60-0.74]; P < 0.001} and RAS inhibitors [aHR 0.84 (0.76-0.93); P < 0.001] but not for β-blockers [aHR 1.17 (1.05-1.30); P = 0.004]. The associations were robust in subgroups based on age, sex, and comorbidities (P for interactions >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this large population-based real-world study support the use of statins and RAS inhibitors for patients who underwent SAVR due to AS.

Comparison of left ventricular with right ventricular rapid pacing on tamponade during TAVI

BACKGROUND

Small studies have suggested left ventricular (LV) rapid pacing has similar safety and efficacy to conventional right ventricular (RV) rapid pacing in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, there are limited data on the comparative rates of tamponade. The study compared the rate of cardiac tamponade between LV and RV-pacing during TAVI.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2021, 1226 consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral or transaxillary TAVI were included. 470(38.3%) patients had TAVI deployment with RV-pacing and 756(61.7%) with LV-pacing. The primary outcome was the frequency and cause of cardiac tamponade. Secondary outcomes included efficacy, procedure duration and crossover rates.

RESULTS

There was a trend to less tamponade with LV-pacing, which did not reach statistical significance [11(2.3%) vs 11(1.5%);P = 0.27]. There was no significant difference in the frequency of tamponade due to annular tear [4(0.9%) vs 9(1.2%);P = 0.59] or LV free-wall perforation [1(0.2%) vs 2(0.3%);P = 0.86]. The frequency of tamponade due to RV perforation was significantly lower in the LV-pacing group [0 vs 6(2.3%);P < 0.005)]. Two patients with tamponade due to RV perforation required emergency sternotomy of whom one died. Deployment success was similar (99% vs 99.6%;P=NS). Procedure duration was shorter with LV-pacing (70 vs 80 mins;P < 0.005). Crossover to RV-pacing was low (0.9%). There were no embolizations caused by loss-of-capture in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

LV-pacing appears equally efficacious and is associated with a lower risk of tamponade due to RV perforation caused by the temporary pacing wire. LV-pacing was not associated with an increased risk of tamponade due to LV free-wall perforation.

Prognostic value of diastolic function parameters in significant aortic regurgitation: the role of the left atrial strain

BACKGROUND

The management of patients with asymptomatic significant aortic regurgitation (sAR) is often challenging and appropriate timing of aortic valve surgery remains controversial. Prognostic value of diastolic parameters has been demonstrated in several cardiac diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic significance of the diastolic function evaluated by echocardiography, in asymptomatic patients with sAR.

METHODS

A total of 126 patients with asymptomatic sAR evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic were retrospective included. Conventional echocardiographic systolic and diastolic function parameters were assessed. Left atrial (LA) auto-strain analysis was performed in a sub-group of 57 patients. A combined end-point of hospital admission due to heart failure, cardiovascular mortality, or aortic valve surgery was defined.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 34.1 (interquartile range 16.5-48.1) months, 25 (19.8%) patients reached the combined end-point. Univariate analysis showed that LV volumes, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV-GLS, E wave, E/e' ratio, LA volume and LA reservoir strain (LASr) were significant predictors of events. Multivariate analysis that tested all classical echocardiographic variables statistically significant in the univariate model showed that LVEDV (HR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03; p < 0.001) and E/e' ratio (HR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.03-123; p = 0.01) were significant predictors of events. Kaplan-Meier curve, stratified by median value of LASr, showed that lower LASr values (less than median of 34%) were associated with higher rates of events (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

In this population of asymptomatic patients with sAR and normal LV systolic function, baseline diastolic parameters were prognostic markers of cardiovascular events; among them, LASr played a significant predictor role.

Simplified TAVR Procedure: How Far Is It Possible to Go?

Increasing operators’ experience and improvement of the technique have resulted in a drastic reduction in complications following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with lower surgical risk. In parallel, the procedure was considerably simplified, with a routine default approach including local anesthesia in the catheterization laboratory, percutaneous femoral approach, radial artery as the secondary access, prosthesis implantation without predilatation, left ventricle wire pacing and early discharge. Thus, the “simplified” TAVR adopted in most centers nowadays is a real revolution of the technique. However, simplified TAVR must be accompanied upstream by a rigorous selection of patients who can benefit from a minimalist procedure in order to guarantee its safety. The minimalist strategy must not become dogmatic and careful pre-, per- and post-procedural evaluation of patients with well-defined protocols guarantee optimal care following TAVR. This review aims to evaluate the benefits and limits of the simplified TAVR procedure in a current and future vision.

Evolution and Prognostic Impact of Cardiac Damage After Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

The impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on progression/regression of extra-valvular cardiac damage and its association with subsequent prognosis is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To describe evolution of cardiac damage post-AVR and its association with outcomes.

METHODS

Patients undergoing transcatheter or surgical AVR from the PARTNER 2 and 3 trials were pooled and classified by cardiac damage stage at baseline and 1-year (Stage 0, no damage; Stage 1, left ventricular damage; Stage 2, left atrial or mitral valve damage; Stage 3, pulmonary vasculature or tricuspid valve damage; Stage 4, right ventricular damage). Proportional hazards models determined association between change in cardiac damage post-AVR and 2-year outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 1974 patients, 121 (6.1%) were Stage 0, 287 (14.5%) Stage 1, 1014 (51.4%) Stage 2, 412 (20.9%) Stage 3, and 140 (7.1%) Stage 4 pre-AVR. Two-year mortality was associated with extent of cardiac damage at baseline and 1-year. Compared with baseline, cardiac damage improved in ∼15%, remained unchanged in ∼60%, and worsened in ∼25% of patients at 1-year. One-year change in cardiac damage stage was independently associated with mortality (adjHR for improvement=0.49; no change=1.0; worsening=1.95; p=0.023) and composite of death or heart failure hospitalization (adjHR for improvement=0.60; no change=1.0; worsening=2.25; p<0.001) at 2 years.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing AVR, extent of extravalvular cardiac damage at baseline and its change at 1-year have important prognostic implications. These findings suggest that earlier detection of AS and intervention prior to development of irreversible cardiac damage may improve global cardiac function and prognosis.

Circulating Monocyte Subsets and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), as an alternative to open heart surgery, has revolutionized the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis (AVS), the most common valvular disorder in the elderly. AVS is now considered a form of atherosclerosis and, like the latter, partly of inflammatory origin. Patients with high-grade AVS have a highly disturbed blood flow associated with high levels of shear stress. The immediate reopening of the valve during TAVR leads to a sudden restoration of a normal blood flow hemodynamic. Despite its good prognosis for patients, TAVR remains associated with bleeding or thrombotic postprocedural complications, involving mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Many studies report the close link between blood coagulation and inflammation, termed thromboinflammation, including monocytes as a major actor. The TAVR procedure represents a unique opportunity to study the influence of shear stress on human monocytes, key mediators of inflammation and hemostasis processes. The purpose of this study was to conduct a review of the literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of TAVR on monocyte phenotype and subset repartition and the association of these parameters with the clinical outcomes of patients with severe AVS who underwent TAVR.

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients With Elevated Mitral Valve Pressure Gradient After Mitral Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the adverse impact of elevated postprocedural mitral valve pressure gradient (MPG) on outcome in a real-world population of patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who underwent transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TEER).

BACKGROUND

TEER has become a routine treatment alternative for patients with severe MR at high surgical risk. The consequences of elevated MPG after TEER have been subject to controversial debates.

METHODS

All consecutive patients undergoing TEER for either severe degenerative MR (DMR) or functional MR (FMR) at a high-volume center between September 2008 and January 2020 were prospectively included and followed periodically. Postprocedural MPG by discharge transthoracic echocardiography was considered elevated at ≥5 mm Hg. The primary combined endpoint was death or heart failure rehospitalization after 5 years.

RESULTS

A total of 713 patients undergoing TEER (DMR, n = 265; FMR, n = 445) were included. Elevated postprocedural MPG was present in 37.0% of those with DMR (n = 98) and 22.0% of those with FMR (n = 98). In contrast to patients with FMR, 6-minute walk distance did not improve in patients with DMR with elevated MPG. Kaplan-Meier analyses did not demonstrate significant differences for the primary endpoint in patients with DMR (low vs elevated MPG, 67.3% vs 74.4%; P = 0.06) and those with FMR (78.6% vs 74.8%; P = 0.54). After adjustment, elevated MPG was an independent predictor of the primary endpoint in patients with DMR (HR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.03-2.45; P = 0.034) but not in those with FMR (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.63-1.22; P = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated postprocedural MPG is an independent predictor of adverse clinical and functional outcomes in patients with DMR but not in those with FMR.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty: current status and future prospects

INTRODUCTION

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) improves hemodynamic and clinical status of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) for a limited period of 6-12 months. However, there is a high number of procedures performed worldwide and an upward trend over the last decades.

AREAS COVERED

Epidemiology of AS and the advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) contribute to the extensive referral of patients. The expansion of recommendations for TAVI has occasionally led to financial reimbursement-related problems that do not exist for BAV. BAV is indicated as a bridge to valve replacement, to decision in complex cases, and to extracardiac surgery. BAV may play a role in preparing for TAVI and optimizing procedural results. The minimalist approach and reduced complication rate make it applicable in fragile patients.

EXPERT OPINION

In the near future, BAV will continue to be a useful asset in managing patients with AS given the multiple indications, broad applicability, safety profile, low cost, and repeatability. Specific studies are necessary to explore technical solutions, stronger indications, the finest technique, and to standardize the procedural result. Pending the development of potential competitive devices, the role that BAV plays will remain closely intertwined with the one played by TAVI.

Chronic kidney disease and transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Patients with aortic stenosis have a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is generally associated with an increased risk of mortality, cardiovascular events, and readmission for heart failure; this supports the concept of a cardio-renal syndrome (CRS). CRS encompasses a spectrum of disorders of the heart and kidneys, wherein dysfunction in one organ may cause dysfunction in the other. TAVI treatment is expected to break this malignant cycle of CRS and improve cardio-renal function after the procedure. However, several reports demonstrate that patients with CKD have been associated with poor outcomes after the procedure. In addition, TAVI treatments for patients with advanced CKD and those with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis are considered more challenging. Adequate management to preserve cardio-renal function in patients undergoing TAVI may reduce the risk of cardio-renal adverse events and improve the long-term prognosis. The current comprehensive review article aims to assess the prognostic impact of CKD after TAVI and seek optimal care in patients with CKD even after successful TAVI.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a palliative approach to infective endocarditis

An 88-year-old man with small lymphocytic lymphoma presented to the hospital with shortness of breath and was diagnosed with heart failure. Serial blood cultures and echocardiography revealed Staphylococcus epidermidis endocarditis, complicated by severe aortic regurgitation. Despite intravenous antibiotic therapy and aggressive intravenous diuresis therapy in the hospital, he decompensated into cardiogenic shock, requiring invasive haemodynamic monitoring and inotrope therapy. With multidisciplinary discussion involving the patient and his children, there was a joint decision that at his advanced age, he would not pursue surgical aortic valve replacement and instead proceed with a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with palliative intent. He underwent TAVR with subsequent symptomatic and functional improvement as well as resolution of cardiogenic shock.

Association of Mild Valvular Lesions With Long-term Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Black Adults

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the long-term outcomes of mild valvular lesions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of 3 major types of valvular lesions (aortic stenosis, trace or mild aortic regurgitation, and trace or mild mitral regurgitation) with risk of cardiovascular mortality, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study analyzed data from the ongoing Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study and focused on Black participants in the Jackson, Mississippi, site who underwent echocardiography at visit 3 from 1993 to 1995. Data analysis was conducted between April 2021 and February 2022.

EXPOSURES

Three valvular lesions were analyzed: aortic sclerosis, aortic regurgitation (trace or mild), and mitral regurgitation (trace or mild).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The outcomes were cardiovascular mortality, coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the independent associations between the 3 valvular lesions and these outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 2106 Black participants were included, with a mean (SD) age of 59.1 (5.6) years and 1354 women (64.3%). The baseline prevalence was 7.7% for aortic sclerosis, 15.1% for aortic regurgitation (6.1% with trace, and 9.0% with mild), and 43.0% for mitral regurgitation (29.4% with trace, and 13.6% with mild). During a median (interquartile interval) follow-up of 22.5 (15.6-23.5) years, 890 participants developed at least 1 cardiovascular outcome. Each valvular lesion was significantly associated with at least 1 cardiovascular outcome: aortic sclerosis was associated with cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.06-2.22), mild mitral regurgitation was associated with atrial fibrillation (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.09-1.99), and trace or mild aortic regurgitation was associated with all outcomes (HRs ranging from 1.45 [95% CI, 1.17-1.81] to 1.75 [95% CI, 1.29-2.37]) except stroke. The total number of valvular lesions had graded associations with all cardiovascular outcomes except stroke: the HR of cardiovascular mortality was 1.77 (95% CI, 1.18-2.65) for those with 2 to 3 lesions and was 1.44 (95% CI, 1.05-1.96) for those with 1 lesion vs no lesions.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Results of this study indicate an association between valvular lesions, even at mild stage, and a long-term risk of cardiovascular events, suggesting the importance of recognizing and monitoring these valvular conditions.

Update on supra-annular sizing of transcatheter aortic valve prostheses in raphe-type bicuspid aortic valve disease according to the LIRA method

Recent evidence has shown that transcatheter heart valve (THV) anchoring in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients occurs at the level of the raphe, known as the LIRA (Level of Implantation at the RAphe) plane. Our previous work in a cohort of 20 patients has shown that the delineation of the perimeter and device sizing at this level is associated with optimal procedural outcome. The goals of this study were to confirm the feasibility of this method, evaluate 30-day outcomes of LIRA sizing in a larger cohort of patients, assess interobserver variation and reproducibility of this sizing methodology, and analyse the interaction of LIRA-sized prostheses with the surrounding anatomy. The LIRA sizing method was applied to consecutive patients presenting to our centre with raphe-type BAV disease between November 2018 and October 2021. Supra-annular self-expanding THVs were sized based on baseline CT scan perimeters at the LIRA plane and the virtual basal ring. In cases where there was discrepancy between the two measurements, the plane with the smallest perimeter was considered the reference for prosthesis sizing. Post-procedural device success, defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) criteria, was evaluated in the overall cohort. A total of 50 patients (mean age 80 ± 6 years, 70% male) with raphe-type BAV disease underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using different THV prostheses. The LIRA plane method appeared to be highly successful (100% VARC-2 device success) with no procedural mortality, no valve migration, no moderate-severe paravalvular leak, and low transprosthetic gradients (residual mean gradient 8.2 ± 3.4 mmHg). There were no strokes, no in-hospital or 30-day mortality, and an incidence of in-hospital pacemaker implantation of 10%. Furthermore, measurement of the LIRA plane perimeter was highly reproducible between observers (r = 0.980; P < 0.001) and predictive of the post-procedural prosthetic valve perimeter on CT scanning (r = 0.981; P < 0.001). We confirm the feasibility of supra-annular sizing using the LIRA method in a large cohort of patients with high procedural success and good clinical outcomes at 30 days. Application of the LIRA method optimizes THV prosthesis sizing in patients with raphe-type BAV disease.

The additional use of strain measurements for timing of treatment in severe aortic regurgitation

Assessment of severity and need for intervention in clinical practice often is in need for a thorough echocardiography regarding function of the ventricles and additional valvular dysfunction. Despite the indications recommended in the current guidelines, there is still need for further research to identify patients with a severe valvular dysfunction but a potential reversible status regarding the function of the ventricles. Strain imaging is suggested in the current literature to be an additional tool to identify ventricular dysfunction in the setting of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

Genome-wide association study reveals novel genetic loci: a new polygenic risk score for mitral valve prolapse

AIMS

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common valvular heart disease with a prevalence of >2% in the general adult population. Despite this high incidence, there is a limited understanding of the molecular mechanism of this disease, and no medical therapy is available for this disease. We aimed to elucidate the genetic basis of MVP in order to better understand this complex disorder.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a meta-analysis of six genome-wide association studies that included 4884 cases and 434 649 controls. We identified 14 loci associated with MVP in our primary analysis and 2 additional loci associated with a subset of the samples that additionally underwent mitral valve surgery. Integration of epigenetic, transcriptional, and proteomic data identified candidate MVP genes including LMCD1, SPTBN1, LTBP2, TGFB2, NMB, and ALPK3. We created a polygenic risk score (PRS) for MVP and showed an improved MVP risk prediction beyond age, sex, and clinical risk factors.

CONCLUSION

We identified 14 genetic loci that are associated with MVP. Multiple analyses identified candidate genes including two transforming growth factor-β signalling molecules and spectrin β. We present the first PRS for MVP that could eventually aid risk stratification of patients for MVP screening in a clinical setting. These findings advance our understanding of this common valvular heart disease and may reveal novel therapeutic targets for intervention.

Management of asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The management of severe aortic stenosis mandates consideration of aortic valve intervention for symptomatic patients. However, for asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis, recent randomised trials supported earlier intervention. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate all the available data comparing the two management strategies.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception until 10 January 2022. The search key terms were 'asymptomatic', 'severe aortic stenosis' and 'intervention'.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of two published randomised trials, AVATAR and RECOVERY, included 302 patients and showed that early intervention resulted in 55% reduction in all-cause mortality (HR=0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.86; I2 0%) and 79% reduction in risk of hospitalisation for heart failure (HR=0.21, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.96; I2 15%). There was no difference in risk of cardiovascular death between the two groups (HR=0.36, 95% CI 0.03 to 3.78; I2 78%). Additionally, meta-analysis of eight observational studies showed improved mortality in patients treated with early intervention (HR=0.38, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.56; I2 77%).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis provides evidence that, in patients with severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis, early intervention reduces all-cause mortality and improves outcomes compared with conservative management. While this is very encouraging, further randomised controlled studies are needed to draw firm conclusions and identify the optimal timing of intervention.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022301037.

Mechanical aortic valve prostheses offer a survival benefit in 50-65 year olds: AUTHEARTVISIT study

BACKGROUND

The present population-based cohort study investigated long-term mortality after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) with bioprosthetic (B) or mechanical aortic valve prostheses (M) in a European social welfare state.

METHODS

We analysed patient data from health insurance records covering 98% of the Austrian population between 2010 and 2018. Subsequent patient-level record linkage with national health data provided patient characteristics and clinical outcomes. Further reoperation, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke were evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 13,993 patients were analysed and the following age groups were examined separately: <50 years (727 patients: 57.77% M, 42.23% B), 50-65 years (2612 patients: 26.88% M, 73.12% B) and >65 years (10,654 patients: 1.26% M, 98.74% B). Multivariable Cox regression revealed that the use of B-AVR was significantly associated with higher mortality in patients aged 50-65 years compared to M-AVR (HR = 1.676 [1.289-2.181], p < 0.001). B-AVR also performed worse in a competing risk analysis regarding reoperation (HR = 3.483 [1.445-8.396], p = 0.005) and myocardial infarction (HR = 2.868 [1.255-6.555], p = 0.012). However, the risk of developing heart failure and stroke did not differ significantly after AVR in any age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients aged 50-65 years who underwent M-AVR had better long-term survival, and a lower risk of reoperation and myocardial infarction. Even though anticoagulation is crucial in patients with M-AVR, we did not observe significantly increased stroke rates in patients with M-AVR. This evident survival benefit in recipients of mechanical aortic valve prostheses aged <65 years critically questions current guideline recommendations.