Stop the Madness: Mitral Annular Disjunction

Shape of the mitral annulus in normal individuals and dilated cardiomyopathies: computational modeling insights into leaflet stress distribution

Introduction: The mitral valve annulus naturally adopts a saddle shape in systole, likely concentrating systolic stress on the commissures where fibrous trigones are located. This study hypothesized that in patients with dilated cardiomyopathies, where the annulus is large and planar, the stress would be redirected. Methods: Computational modeling was employed to compare the stress distribution in saddle-shaped mitral valves (n.10 patients) with planar annuli seen in dilated cardiomyopathy (n.10 patients) using kinematics of the mitral valve annulus from systole to diastole extrapolated from computed tomography angiography. Results: Simulations revealed high stress near the anterolateral and posteromedial commissures in normal valves, in contrast to high leaflet stress in planar annuli. Significant differences in stress distribution were observed near the anterolateral (S = 0.427 ± 0.053 MPa in normal valves vs S = 0.211 ± 0.123 MPa in diseased valves, p < 0.001) and posterolateral commissures (S = 0.340 ± 0.008 MPa in normal valves vs S = 0.208 ± 0.060 MPa in diseased valves, p < 0.001). Additionally, mitral annulus disjunction was present in healthy patients but absent in those with annulus planarity due to dilated cardiomyopathy. Discussion: This study suggests that while the saddle-shaped annulus focuses leaflet stress on commissures, planar annuli distribute systolic stress over leaflet surfaces. This may trigger embryonic pathways and alter mitral leaflet collagen content, ultimately leading to valve remodeling. Identifying patients with early annular planarity prior to substantial leaflet remodeling may provide early treatments to prevent increasing mitral regurgitation.

Echogenomics: Echocardiography in Heritable Aortopathies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to review the current echocardiographic considerations in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with inherited aortopathies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Aortic dilation is a key feature in heritable aortopathies, and dissection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. New genetic and histopathologic findings are helpful in better understanding these conditions. Non-invasive imaging modalities, including echocardiogram, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are essential in monitoring these patients, as well as providing new prognostic factors of arterial stiffness that may help with risk stratification in the future. Diagnosis of heritable aortopathies should be considered with identification of aortic root dilation, particularly in children and young adults, or when there is a family history of aortic disease. Recent adult consensus guidelines highlight the importance of underlying genotype and phenotypic features when considering prophylactic surgical intervention. There are currently no consensus pediatric guidelines.