Assessing the severity of mitral stenosis: variability between noninvasive and invasive measurements in patients with symptomatic mitral valve stenosis

The relationship between the level of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide and mitral stenosis

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) are both secreted primarily from the ventricle myocardium in response to the increase in volume and pressure. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of mitral stenosis (MS) and the level of plasma BNP. A total of 56 patients (50 female, 6 male) were included in the study. Mitral stenosis and its related parameters were evaluated by echocardiographic methods. Patients were divided into three groups as with mild, moderate and severe MS according to their planimetric valvular area. Plasma BNP levels were measured using "Triage-B-type natriuretic peptide test" method (Biosite Diagnostics, San Diego). The relationship of BNP with mitral stenosis and other echocardiographic parameters were studied. The comparison of the 3 groups with one another revealed that the BNP level in the group with moderate MS was higher than that in the group with mild MS, however it was statistically insignificant (74.9 +/- 49.7 versus 49.9 +/- 40.5 pg/ml, p > 0.05). BNP level in the group with severe MS was significantly higher than that in the mild MS (144.3 +/- 83.9 versus 49.9 +/- 40.5 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and that in the moderate MS group (144.3 +/- 83.9 versus. 74.9 +/- 49.7 pg/ml, p < 0.05). When patients were taken together, as the area of the mitral valve decreased, the level of BNP underwent a corresponding increase (r:-0.48, p < 0.001). We have ascertained that the level of plasma BNP and the degree of MS are significantly correlated, and as MS becomes more serious, the plasma BNP level rises.

Serial echocardiographic evaluation of restenosis after successful percutaneous mitral commissurotomy

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to determine predictors of restenosis after successful percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) and its relationship to late clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND

The restenosis rate after PMC and its relationship to late clinical outcome is poorly defined.

METHODS

Serial echocardiography was performed in 310 patients who underwent PMC. Restenosis, defined as mitral valve area (MVA) <1.5 cm(2) and > or = 50% loss of initial MVA increase, was determined by both two-dimensional (2D) and Doppler echocardiography. Clinical, echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization variables were evaluated to determine predictors of restenosis. The relationship between restenosis and major adverse clinical events (death, repeat PMC or mitral valve replacement) and functional status was assessed.

RESULTS

Acute procedural success occurred in 206 patients (66%), who were then followed for restenosis. The cumulative restenosis rate was approximately 40% at six years after successful PMC (44% by 2D and 40% by Doppler MVA). The only independent predictor of restenosis was echocardiographic score (restenosis at five years was 20% for score <8 vs. 61% for score > or = 8, p < 0.001). The decline in MVA and occurrence of restenosis was gradual and progressive during the follow-up period. Procedural results and baseline factors predicted event-free survival. Restenosis by 2D MVA was related to adverse events or New York Heart Association functional class 3 to 4 symptoms, but restenosis was not an independent predictor of clinical outcome by multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Restenosis is a common, gradual and progressive occurrence after successful PMC and is predicted by higher echocardiographic score. Restenosis is related to late adverse clinical outcome, though clinical outcome remains best predicted by the acute procedural results of PMC.