Background and aim of the study: The study aim was to re-examine the form and function of the cords exclusive to the aortic leaflet of the mitral valve.

Methods: The ventricular surface of the leaflet was exposed by a longitudinal incision between the coronary sinuses of the aorta. The cords exclusive to the leaflet, in between the so-called commissural cords on either side shared with the mural leaflet, were inspected visually in 75 human hearts obtained at autopsy.

Results: The cords were found to form two groups: (i) cords to the free edge, which support the gossamerthin free edge of the leaflet, and provide a low-pressure, bloodtight seal; and (ii) belly cords, which insert into the ventricular surface of the leaflet, usually forming graceful steps and arches between the lateral and medial groups of cordal support. Among these belly cords were found strut cords, which course perpendicular to the steps and arches.

Conclusion: The so-called cords to the rough zone, better considered as belly cords, must be distinguished from cords supporting the free edge of the leaflet, as they have different forms and subserve a different function. The belly cords usually form steps, arches and struts, which facilitate the distribution of stress, whereas the cords supporting the free edge function to provide a blood-tight seal. An understanding of the pattern and variations in cordal support is necessary to appreciate the pathology, and to tailor restoration in the surgical repair of diseased valves.

How to cite: Nayak, V. M., & Victor, S. (2006). Steps, arches, and struts supporting the aortic leaflet of the mitral valve. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(6), 740–746.

This article is closed access and to view this content please login: https://www.icr-heart.com/author/login/ and request for the access.

How to cite: Anderson, R. H., & Frater, R. W. (2006). How can we best describe the components of the mitral valve?. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(6), 736–739.

The case is described of a 64-year-old man with bipolar disorder and severe carcinoid heart disease who required a double valve replacement. Multidisciplinary team involvement and extensive preoperative investigations resulted in a successful regimen which prevented reactivation of carcinoid syndrome and avoided the serious side effects of lantreotide and lithium therapy. In addition, two bioprosthetic valves were used, thereby avoiding the potential complications of anticoagulation in a patient with known hepatic metastases.

How to cite: Tang, S. S., Henein, M. Y., & De Souza, A. (2006). Successful double bioprosthetic valve replacement in a 64-year-old man with carcinoid syndrome and bipolar disorder: case report. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 733–735.

A 64-year-old male patient with unknown alkaptonuria and severe aortic stenosis and ischemic heart disease was admitted to the authors' institution for elective surgery. The patient underwent aortic valve replacement with a 25-mm aortic valve (ATS Medical, Inc.) and single venous aortocoronary artery bypass grafting for a right coronary artery. Aortotomy revealed typical ochronotic pigmentation of a severely calcified aortic valve and aortic intima. A diagnosis of alkaptonuria was confirmed by evidence of homogentisic acid in the patient's urine, together with histopathological analysis.

How to cite: Kovacevic, M., Simic, O., Medved, I., Lucin, K., & Padovan, M. (2006). Ochronosis of the aortic valve and aorta. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 730–732.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is defined as a prolonged, unexplained peripheral eosinophilia in a patient presenting with end-organ damage. The heart is frequently involved, resulting in eosinophilic endomyocardial disease, which is characterized by mural thrombus formation and endocardial fibrosis. Thromboembolic complications in HES are mediated by material released from eosinophilic granules. Herein is reported the case of a patient who presented, 15 years after valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis, with clinical signs of recurrent prosthetic valve thrombosis that was caused by missed hypereosinophilia. The unique feature of the case was that the mitral prosthetic valve obstruction was the result of an eosinophilic thrombus, though no tissue infiltration or inflammation had been detected by random biopsy of the left ventricular myocardium. After nine years of effective treatment of HES there were no cardiac or extracardiac complications.

How to cite: Jánoskuti, L., Förhécz, Z., & Lengyel, M. (2006). Unique presentation of hypereosinophilic syndrome: recurrent mitral prosthetic valve thrombosis without endomyocardial disease. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 726–729.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is an uncommon condition characterized by an unexplained elevation of absolute eosinophil count (AEC) to > or = 1.5 x 10(9)/l for at least six months, and is frequently associated with eosinophil-mediated end organ damage. Idiopathic HES, as with secondary HES and primary hypereosinophilic clonal hematopoietic disorders, has a high incidence of myocardial, pulmonary, neurological and other organ injury. Myocardial fibroelastosis and valvular lesions are common, and successful treatment with valve replacement or resection of fibrotic myocardium has been reported. The case is described of a patient with idiopathic HES and multi-organ complications including severe mitral valve disease, in whom a functionally obstructive thrombosis of a newly inserted prosthetic mitral valve occurred despite adequate anticoagulation, when the AEC was profoundly elevated. Recurrent thrombosis has not occurred over a substantial period following AEC reduction with corticosteroids, and subsequent maintenance at normal levels.

How to cite: Hii, M. W., Firkin, F. C., MacIsaac, A. I., & Yii, M. (2006). Obstructive prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis in idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome: a case report and review of the literature. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 721–725.

Ebstein's malformation (EM) is characterized by dysplasia and displacement of the tricuspid inferior and septal leaflets from the true atrioventricular (AV) junction. Left ventricular hypertrabeculation/non-compaction (LVHT) including the 'atrialized' portion in EM has not been described. A 42-year-old man with a history of radiofrequency ablation of a Mahaim-like bundle suffered from chest pain. Coronary angiography was normal, but echocardiography showed a septal tricuspid leaflet inserting 3.5-cm apically beyond the AV junction, deep recesses of the atrialized interventricular septum, and a heavily trabeculated left ventricle; these were confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Neurologically, hypoacusis, positive pyramidal signs, postural tremor and brisk tendon reflexes were identified.

How to cite: Stöllberger, C., Kopsa, W., & Finsterer, J. (2006). Non-compaction of the right atrium and left ventricle in Ebstein's malformation. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 719–720.

Hemostatic physiology involves a complex interlinking of blood and endothelial factors. Its pharmacological manipulation invariably impacts at multiple molecular sites. Herein is reported an unusual case of coexistent warfarin-induced skin necrosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following mitral valve replacement for thromboembolic phenomena associated with marantic endocarditis and bronchial adenocarcinoma. Thrombophilia in the face of endocarditis should be treated with a suspicion of underlying cancer.

How to cite: White, C. A., Chung, D. A., Thomas, M., & Marrinan, M. T. (2006). Warfarin-induced skin necrosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following mitral valve replacement for marantic endocarditis. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 716–718.

Background and aim of the study: Currently, 95% of all implanted mechanical heart valve prostheses are constructed completely, or at least partially, from pyrolytic carbon. In order to develop a mechanical heart valve prosthesis made from alternative materials, a special hinge design was tested which enabled the integration of wear-resistant tribomaterials into the highly loaded hinges of leaflets.

Methods: The wear behavior of different material couples was investigated in vitro. Wear testing was performed using a specially designed durability tester that controlled the pressure difference across the closed heart valve prosthesis in a water-glycerol mixture with blood analog viscosity. Conditions were set according to FDA and ISO standards for heart valve testing. Qualitative assessment of wear behavior was performed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy at intervals of 10, 40, and each subsequent 50 million cycles.

Results: None of the investigated heart valve prostheses failed during the durability tests. Compared to the reference valve made from polymeric materials, wear especially in the hinges could be reduced to an acceptable level by integrating wear-resistant tribomaterials into the leaflets.

Conclusion: A leaflet design which enables the integration of tribomaterials into the highly loaded hinges of leaflets leads to an optimization of wear behavior of a mechanical heart valve prosthesis made from polymeric materials. Abrasive wear in the hinges may be reduced to an acceptable level for the functionality of the heart valve prosthesis. Durability tests will be continued in order to confirm the promising wear behavior of this novel heart valve prosthesis.

How to cite: Medart, D., Steinseifer, U., Reul, H., & Schmitz-Rode, T. (2006). Early wear development in a novel mechanical heart valve prosthesis made from polymeric materials. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 710–715.

Background and aim of the study: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with a small aortic root involves the occurrence of patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM). Recent reports have shown that a reduced effective orifice area index (EOAI) may not be the sole factor responsible for this complication. The study aim was to analyze the activity of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)/renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) after implantation of stented or stentless valves.

Methods: Between 2001 and 2003, a total of 30 patients operated on at the authors' institution received either a stentless Freestyle bioprosthesis (group A; n = 15) or a stented Mosaic bioprosthesis (group B; n = 15). The demographics of both groups were similar, and all patients underwent echocardiography preoperatively, and at one, six and 12 months postoperatively. The activity of the RAA system and plasma ANP level were measured in all patients preoperatively and at one and six months postoperatively.

Results: At one month after AVR, statistically significant inter-group differences were noted in plasma renin activity (group A, 3.7 +/- 2.1 ng/ml/h; group B, 5.6 +/- 0.8 ng/ml/h; p <0.05; control value 0.3-5.3 ng/ml/h). For ANP, statistically significant differences were present at one month after surgery (group A, 36.3 +/- 5.1 pg/ml; group B, 62.9 +/- 9.2 pg/ml; p <0.005; control value 27.3-37.2 pg/ml). On echocardiography, the ejection fraction, aortic valve gradient, EOAI and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were assessed. A statistically significant difference was identified for the LVMI at 12 months postoperatively (group A, 216 +/- 13 g/m2; group B, 240 +/- 18 g/m2; p <0.05). In terms of other parameters both groups were similar.

Conclusion: The implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis affects the hemodynamics of the entire circulatory system, and thus the activity of natriuretic systems. Whilst stentless valves allowed much more rapid normalization of circulatory system hemodynamics (one month), no difference compared to preoperative was identified after six months. Natriuretic peptides appear to provide more sensitive (long-term) but less specific (short-term) assessment of circulatory system behavior than echocardiography.

How to cite: Szafranek, A., Jasinski, M., Kolowca, M., Gemel, M., & Wos, S. (2006). Plasma ANP and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as new parameters describing the hemodynamics of the circulatory system after implantation of stented or stentless aortic valves. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 702–709.

Background and aim of the study: The Ross procedure has become the first choice for aortic valve replacement in children and young adults at many institutions. Since 1997, a lack of availability of homograft valves in Turkey has prompted the use of alternative substitutes for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction during the Ross procedure.

Methods: Before April 2005, among 20 patients (age range: 14 months to 45 years) at the present authors' institution, the Ross procedure was performed in 14 and a Ross-Konno procedure in six. Sixteen patients underwent RVOT repair using alternative methods for homograft valve replacement. Fourteen patients received a Medtronic Freestyle valve and one patient a Medtronic Contegra bovine jugular vein conduit. An autologous RVOT repair was used in one patient. Ten of the Medtronic Freestyle valve patients were aged <16 years. In all patients who received a Medtronic Freestyle valve echocardiographic evaluations were conducted shortly after surgery and during follow up.

Results: There was no early mortality. One patient died from pneumonia after six months, and another (asymptomatic) patient died suddenly at 34 months after surgery. Before hospital discharge the mean peak pressure gradient across the Freestyle valve was 12.1 +/- 11.0 mmHg, and this increased to 24.1 +/- 20.0 mmHg after a mean follow up of 51.2 +/- 6.9 months (range: 6 to 101 months) (p <0.002). Mild pulmonary regurgitation was seen in two patients. One asymptomatic adult patient was reoperated on at another center because of a 60-mmHg echocardiographic peak gradient at four years postoperatively.

Conclusion: Although long-term follow up is required to explain the durability of the Medtronic Freestyle valve, the present results show that the valve can be used with intermediate-term success in the Ross procedure - and even in children as an alternative - if homograft valves are not available.

How to cite: Bilal, M. S., Aydemir, N. A., Cine, N., Turan, T., Yildiz, Y., Yalcin, Y., & Celebi, A. (2006). Intermediate-term results of Medtronic freestyle valve for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in the Ross procedure. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 696–701.

Background and aim of the study: The Edwards Lifesciences Prima Plus stentless valve (ELSV) is a bioprosthesis manufactured from a porcine aortic root. The study aim was to evaluate late clinical outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with ELSV implanted as a miniroot in patients with aortic valve disease.

Methods: Between 1993 and 2004, 318 patients (232 males, 86 females; mean age 69 +/- 9 years; range: 37-83 years) underwent AVR with the ELSV. Preoperatively, 102 patients (32%), 162 (51%) and 54 (17%) were in NYHA classes I/II, III and IV, respectively. Aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation and combined lesions were present in 124 patients (39%), 114 (36%) and 41 (13%), respectively. Twenty patients (6%) were referred for an acute aortic dissection, 20 (6%) for an aortic root aneurysm, and 139 (44%) had an associated aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aorta. The ascending aorta was replaced in 159 patients (50%); aortic arch replacement was required in 10 (3%). Coronary artery bypass graft was performed in 86 patients (27%). The follow up was based on clinical data.

Results: Operative mortality was 5% (n = 17). There were 49 late deaths (5.2%/pt-yr). Valve-related mortality occurred in 10 patients (1%/pt-yr). Actuarial survival at five and 10 years was 78% and 33%, respectively. Actuarial freedom from valve reoperation and structural valve deterioration at 10 years were 100% and 64%. Actuarial freedom from embolic events and endocarditis at 10 years were 84% and 81%, respectively.

Conclusion: The ELSV, when implanted as a miniroot, provided good early and long-term results in terms of survival and freedom from major complications.

How to cite: Auriemma, S., D'Onofrio, A., Brunelli, M., Magagna, P., Paccanaro, M., Rulfo, F., & Fabbri, A. (2006). Long-term results of aortic valve replacement with Edwards Prima Plus stentless bioprosthesis: eleven years' follow up. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 691–695.

Background and aim of the study: Cardiac surgery during pregnancy represents a major challenge as it comprises a single operation for two survivors.

Methods: Between 1988 and 2005, 16 pregnant women underwent cardiac surgery at the authors' institution. Among 14 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis operated on due to clinical deterioration, closed mitral valvulotomy was performed in 12 cases (three urgently in the third trimester, nine at term concomitantly with cesarean delivery). Two patients underwent mitral valve replacement, again, concomitantly with cesarean delivery at term, while two others underwent emergency reoperation for mechanical valve thrombosis during the second trimester, using a strategy of high-flow, high-pressure perfusion with mild hypothermia.

Results: A total of 12 closed mitral valvulotomies and four mitral valve replacements was performed. There was no maternal mortality, and only one stillborn occurred in the urgent closed valvulotomy group. The remaining 15 babies were born healthy.

Conclusion: In addition to protective perinatal procedures, instances occur during pregnancy when urgent or emergency surgery becomes unavoidable due to life-threatening cardiac decompensation. In patients with mitral stenosis, which is the case in most scenarios, closed mitral valvulotomy is life-saving and offers low fetomaternal risk, as a viable, efficient and practical alternative to percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy. When cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) becomes mandatory, the shortest possible periods of mildly hypothermic or normothermic CPB with a strategy of high flow-high pressure perfusion should be followed.

How to cite: Iscan, Z. H., Mavioglu, L., Vural, K. M., Kucuker, S., & Birincioglu, L. (2006). Cardiac surgery during pregnancy. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 686–690.

Background and aim of the study: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is considered a recommended anticoagulation option in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves. However, few data are available regarding the efficacy and safety of LMWH in this setting.

Methods: In 1999, the authors' institution developed a standardized anticoagulation protocol for pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves, which included LMWH administered between six and 12 weeks' gestation, and after 36 weeks, with prespecified target levels, and additional low-dose aspirin. Herein is presented the initial experience using this anticoagulation regimen.

Results: Among five women with prosthetic heart valves treated with LMWH during part of their pregnancy, four had uneventful pregnancies while one suffered a coronary artery embolus. A review is provided of the current state of knowledge regarding anticoagulation in pregnancy, with emphasis placed on the importance of strict monitoring of anticoagulation levels.

Conclusion: Given the drawbacks of other forms of anticoagulation, and within the constraints of available data, LMWH appears--when administered with caution--to be an acceptable alternative in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves.

How to cite: Descarries, L. M., Leduc, L., Khairy, P., & Mercier, L. A. (2006). Low-molecular-weight heparin in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 679–685.

Background and aim of the study: The study aim was to examine tissue expression of the adhesion molecules E-selectin and P-selectin on atrial, valvular and atrial myocardial blood vessel endothelium in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis, and to investigate whether such expression was correlated with hemodynamics.

Methods: Thirteen patients (eight women, five men; mean age 51 +/- 10 years) with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery were examined on preoperative day 1, using cardiac catheterization and echocardiography. Specimens from the mitral valve and left atrium of each patient were evaluated for CD 62E and CD 62P expression using indirect immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence techniques

Results: A great majority of patients presented E and/or P selectin expression of variable intensity on atrial, valvular and atrial myocardial blood vessel endothelium. A more diffuse and stronger reaction for CD 62P was noted compared to that for CD 62E. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left atrial diameter were positively correlated with endocardial CD 62P and CD 62E expression. Right atrial pressure was also strongly and positively correlated with endocardial expression of CD 62E (r = 0.80, p 0.03) and CD 62P (r = 0.8, p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Marked tissue expression of CD 62E and CD 62P was identified on atrial, valvular and atrial myocardial blood vessel endothelium. Moreover, the degree of expression of adhesion molecules was significantly correlated with the left atrial and left ventricular chamber diameters, as well as right atrial pressure.

How to cite: Tokgözoglu, L., Can, I., Korkusuz, P., Asan, E., Ozer, N., & Demircin, M. (2006). Correlation of tissue selectin expression and hemodynamic parameters in rheumatic mitral valve disease. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 671–678.

Background and aim of the study: Although the use of new sources of energy for the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has simplified the procedure, concerns have been expressed with regard to the safety and efficacy of the various devices. Herein are described the results of a technique using a combination of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) and cryoablation.

Methods: Between February 2004 and August 2005, the combined procedure was used on 60 patients, 32 of whom (54%) had persistent AF, and 28 (46%) permanent AF. Lesions set similar to the Maze III procedure were used, with the addition of a right atrial isthmus lesion in the area of the coronary sinus and without right atrial appendage amputation and septal lesion.

Results: There were no operative complications and no death or major morbidity. The mean duration of the ablation procedure was 30 min (range: 27-36 min) for biatrial procedures, and 16 min (range: 15-19 min) for left atrial procedures. Forty-two patients (70%) were discharged in sinus rhythm. On completion of follow up, 48 patients (80%) were in sinus rhythm. Among 45 patients treated with cryoablation rather than monopolar RF, 89% were in sinus rhythm at the mean follow up of nine months. The predictor for recurrent post-procedural AF was preoperative permanent AF for more than 10 years' duration (p = 0.039), while that for postoperative atypical flutter was use of the monopolar RF ablator rather than the cryoablator (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The use of a bipolar RF device with the cryoprobe is an appealing combination which enables the Maze III lesion set to be completed in a straightforward, safe, and efficient manner.

How to cite: Sternik, L., Ghosh, P., Luria, D., Glikson, M., Shpigelshtein, D., Malachy, A., & Raanani, E. (2006). Mid-term results of the 'hybrid maze': a combination of bipolar radiofrequency and cryoablation for surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 664–670.

Background and aim of the study: A variety of reliable techniques are now available for chordal disease management and repair of the anterior mitral valve leaflet prolapse. The study aim was to review the authors' experience with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), using a standardized technique for length adjustment, and to analyze the long-term results in patients who underwent mitral valve repair.

Methods: A total of 111 patients (mean age 56.2 +/- 16.1 years) underwent mitral valve repair with PTFE neochordae, in addition to a variety of other surgical procedures. Etiologies were degenerative in 82 patients (73.9%), Barlow disease in 13 (11.7%), rheumatic in 10 (9%), and infection in six (5.4%). Prolapse of the anterior leaflet was present in 78 patients (70.3%), of the posterior leaflet in 15 (13.5%), a bileaflet prolapse was present in 12 (10.8%), and a commissural prolapse in six (5.4%). In all cases the anterior annulus was used as the reference level in order to assess the appropriate length of the PTFE neochordae.

Results: The mean number of PTFE neochordae used was 6 +/- 4 per patient. In-hospital mortality was 1.8% (n = 2); mean follow up was 36.8 +/- 25.6 months (range: 12-94 months). There were no late deaths. At five years postoperatively the patient overall survival was 98.2 +/- 1.8%, freedom from reoperation rate 100%, and freedom from grade 1+ mitral regurgitation rate 97.2 +/- 2.8%. There were no documented thromboembolism or hemorrhagic events.

Conclusion: In degenerative and myxomatous mitral valve disease, leaflet prolapse can be successfully repaired by implantation of PTFE neochordae. Both immediate and long-term results proved the versatility, efficiency and durability of this technique.

How to cite: Chiappini, B., Sanchez, A., Noirhomme, P., Verhelst, R., Rubay, J., Poncelet, A., Funken, J. C., & El Khoury, G. (2006). Replacement of chordae tendineae with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sutures in mitral valve repair: early and long-term results. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 657–663.

Background and aim of the study: Reversal of myocardial collagen gene expression was examined in parallel to left ventricular reverse remodeling after surgical correction of experimental aortic stenosis.

Methods: A standard growing sheep model (age at baseline 6-8 months) was used. Measurements were performed at baseline (point A) when inducing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) through supracoronary banding, at 8.3 +/- 1.0 months later at surgical correction (point B), and after another 10.1 +/- 2.0 months during final examinations (point C). Gene expression for collagen I and III was also studied.

Results: Left ventricular function was stable throughout the study. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was 82 +/- 21 g/m2 at point A, 150 +/- 33 g/m2 at B, and 78 +/- 18 g/m2 at C (p <0.01). Myocardial fiber diameter was 11.3 +/- 0.8, 15.9 +/- 1.2 and 11.4 +/- 1 microm at points A, B and C, respectively (p <0.01). Protein expression for collagen I was 0.71 +/- 0.2 (at A), 1.13 +/- 0.3 (at B) and 0.85 +/- 0.4 (at C) (p <0.01), while that for collagen III was 0.72 +/- 0.4 (at A), 1.26 +/- 0.8 (at B) and 0.83 +/- 0.3 (at C) (p <0.01). There was a significant correlation between changes in LVMI and myocardial collagen expression.

Conclusion: Complete reverse remodeling with regression of LVH and myocardial collagen protein expression can be anticipated after surgical correction of experimental aortic stenosis.

How to cite: Walther, T., Schubert, A., Wustmann, T., Falk, V., Walther, C., Doll, N., Rastan, A., Gummert, J., & Mohr, F. W. (2006). Reverse remodeling of cardiac collagen protein expression after surgical therapy for experimental aortic stenosis. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 651–656.

Background and aim of the study: Endocardial indices of left ventricular (LV) systolic function overestimate myocardial performance in hypertrophic left ventricles. Midwall fractional shortening (mFS) is a more reliable index of systolic performance. Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common cause of LV hypertrophy (LVH), but midwall mechanics in this condition have not been analyzed. Also, a tendency towards hyperdynamic LV chamber function has been reported in women with AS in comparison with men, but whether there exist gender-related discrepancies in midwall performance is not known.

Methods: The study group included 147 patients with AS and normal chamber systolic function. LV diameters and thicknesses, LV mass, relative wall thickness (RWT), endocardial fractional shortening, stroke volume, ejection fraction (EF), mFS and stress-corrected mFS were determined.

Results: Patients with AS showed depressed mFS (16.2 +/- 2.5% versus 18.8 +/- 2.4%, p <0.0001) and stress-corrected mFS (84.3 +/- 13.8% versus 100.0 +/- 12.6%, p <0.0001) when compared to controls. The subset with moderate AS had lower mFS (15.9 +/- 2.0%) than those with mild AS (16.9 +/- 2.4%), and further depression was present in subjects with severe AS (13.8 +/- 2.2%, p <0.0001). A similar trend was observed for stress-corrected mFS (mild AS, 88.5 +/- 13.3%; moderate AS, 82.0 +/- 11.5%; severe AS, 71.2 +/- 12.0%, p <0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified RWT as the best predictor of mFS and stress-corrected mFS. Logistic regression showed that depressed stress-corrected mFS was independently associated with the presence of symptoms. Endocardial fractional shortening and EF were increased in women compared to men, but there were no gender-related differences in mFS (16.2 +/- 2.5% versus 16.1 +/- 2.4%, p = 0.84) and stress-corrected mFS (84.0 +/- 14.1% versus 84.5 +/- 13.5%, p 0.82).

Conclusion: Aortic stenosis is associated with depression in LV midwall mechanics. Systolic midwall performance reduces as the severity of valve disease increases, and this relationship is mediated by parallel changes in LV geometry.

How to cite: Ballo, P., Mondillo, S., Motto, A., & Faraguti, S. A. (2006). Left ventricular midwall mechanics in subjects with aortic stenosis and normal systolic chamber function. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 639–650.

This article is closed access and to view this content please login: https://www.icr-heart.com/author/login/ and request for the access.

How to cite: Boudoulas H. (2006). Left ventricular dynamics in valvular aortic stenosis. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 638.

Background and aim of the study: The increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease with age, coupled to a constant extension of life expectancy in industrialized countries, is leading to an ever-increasing number of elderly patients being referred for aortic valve replacement (AVR). In light of advances in surgical technology and cardiac protection, the operative mortality and risk factors have been updated in order to specify surgical indications.

Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2004, a total of 442 patients (203 males, 239 females) aged > or =80 years (mean age 82.7 +/- 2.3 years) underwent AVR at the authors' institution. Surgery was either isolated (n = 344) or associated with coronary revascularization (n = 86), mitral valvuloplasty (n = 5) or aortic surgery (n = 7). Seventeen patients had undergone previous cardiac surgery. The EuroScore was calculated for each patient.

Results: Overall operative mortality was 7.5% (n = 33). Independent predictive factors of mortality were: aortic insufficiency (30%, p <0.004), NYHA class IV (20.5%, p < 0.001), left and right heart failure (11.5% and 19.4%, p <0.02), chronic renal insufficiency (18.5%, p <0.04), emergency (37.5%, p <0.001, OR = 4.7), left ventricular ejection fraction (21.1%, p <0.004, OR = 0.9), and redo surgery (35.3%, p <0.001, OR = 6). Mortality was also increased in case of associated coronary revascularization (11.6%), mitral or tricuspid surgery (20%) and ascending aorta procedure (25%).

Conclusion: Patient functional improvement achieved after valve replacement at the cost of a rather low operative mortality justifies considering octogenarians for surgery. However, decisions should be taken on an individual basis. An earlier referral to surgery before the onset of altered cardiac function could lead to further reductions in hospital mortality.

How to cite: Langanay, T., Verhoye, J. P., Ocampo, G., Vola, M., Tauran, A., De La Tour, B., Derieux, T., Ingels, A., Corbineau, H., & Leguerrier, A. (2006). Current hospital mortality of aortic valve replacement in octogenarians. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 630–637.

Background and aim of the study: It has been shown previously that the exposure of porcine aortic valve leaflets (PAVL) to elevated pressure or steady shear stress increases extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. It was hypothesized that exposure of the aortic valves to pressure or shear stress would regulate valvular expression of proteases such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cathepsins.

Methods: Fresh PAVLs were exposed to cyclic pressure (170 mmHg at 1.167 Hz) or to a steady shear stress of 25 dyne/cm2 for 48 h, with static culture serving as controls.

Results: Shear stress significantly inhibited cathepsin activity and cathepsin L protein expression, but increased MMP-2/9 activity. A cyclic hypertensive pressure condition also slightly decreased MMP-2/9 and cathepsin L activities.

Conclusion: For the first time, valvular cathepsin and MMP activity were seen to be directly regulated by mechanical forces such as pressure and shear stress. The down-regulation of cathepsin L activity correlates with an up-regulation of ECM synthesis; MMP-2 and -9 activities increased with ECM synthesis under shear stress, showing that these proteinases may serve different roles in valvular remodeling. This observation may have implications for understanding valve biology, as well as for valve tissue engineering.

How to cite: Platt, M. O., Xing, Y., Jo, H., & Yoganathan, A. P. (2006). Cyclic pressure and shear stress regulate matrix metalloproteinases and cathepsin activity in porcine aortic valves. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 622–629.

Background and aim of the study: The three-dimensional motion of semilunar attachment of the leaflet 'annulus' remains obscure. It has been suggested that the aortic root is distensible and moves during the cardiac cycle. In the present study, the aortic root was evaluated using two dimensions. The aortic root, notably motion of the aortic annulus, was evaluated using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), and a three-dimensional reconstruction of the aortic annulus was performed.

Methods: Twenty-five patients (17 males, eight females) underwent MDCT. None of the patients had aortic root disease, aortic valve disease, bicuspid valve, myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation. The aortic annulus was measured in systole and diastole, and divided into three parts: the right coronary cusp (RCC), left coronary cusp (LCC) and non-coronary cusp (NCC). The lengths of the aortic annulus, sinus of Valsalva and sinotubular junction (STJ) were also measured in systole and diastole on longitudinal views.

Results: The lengths of each aortic annulus part in systole and diastole were as follows. In systole: RCC 41.8 +/- 8.1 mm; LCC 39.3 +/- 5.9 mm; NCC 43.7 +/- 7.1 mm. In diastole: RCC 42.4 +/- 7.0 mm; LCC 38.6 +/- 7.8 mm; NCC 41.5 +/- 7.8 mm. No statistically significant differences were observed between lengths in systole and diastole. The longitudinal lengths of aortic annulus, sinus of Valsalva and STJ at each period were as follows. In systole: aortic annulus 22.5 +/- 2.2 mm; sinus of Valsalva 34.9 +/- 4.3 mm; STJ 28.1 +/- 3.2 mm. In diastole: aortic annulus 22.1 +/- 2.2 mm; sinus of Valsalva 34.4 +/- 4.7 mm; STJ 27.2 +/- 3.1 mm. The length of the STJ in systole was significantly greater than that in diastole.

Conclusion: In the normal aortic root, no part of the aortic annulus changed length during the cardiac cycle. According to changes in aortic root dimensions, the commissures move outwards during the systolic phase.

How to cite: Kazui, T., Izumoto, H., Yoshioka, K., & Kawazoe, K. (2006). Dynamic morphologic changes in the normal aortic annulus during systole and diastole. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 617–621.

Background and aim of the study: In patients with aortic stenosis (AS), it has been reported that the transvalvular pressure gradients (APs) may be reduced or even abolished in the presence of concomitant arterial hypertension, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. The study aim was to: (i) examine the relationship between systemic arterial hemodynamics and the peak-to-peak (deltaP(PtoP)), peak deltaP and mean deltaP; and (ii) propose and validate a new formula for the non-invasive estimation of the deltaP(PtoP) and of the peak left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) using Doppler echocardiography.

Methods: Two fixed stenoses (geometric orifice area 1.0 and 1.35 cm2) and one bioprosthesis (effective orifice area (EOA) 1.2 cm2) were tested in a mock flow circulation model. Systemic vascular resistance (R) was increased from 1,500 to 3,300 dyne.s/cm5, and systemic arterial compliance (C) was decreased from 2.9 to 0.9 ml/mmHg, while transvalvular flow was held constant.

Results: Neither C nor R had any significant impact on EOA, peak deltaP and mean deltaP. deltaP(PtoP) was decreased markedly, however, when C was reduced (bioprosthesis: -15 mmHg (-69%); orifice 1.35 cm2: -24 mmHg (-30%); cm2: (-13%)). Subsequently, an equation was proposed to predict deltaP(PtoP) from EOA, mean deltaP, and C measured by Doppler echocardiography. LVSP calculated by adding the predicted deltaP(Ptop) to systolic arterial pressure (SAP) was compared with LVSP measured directly in a dataset of 24 pigs with experimentally induced AS. There was a strong agreement between the estimated and measured LVSP (r = 0.97; mean absolute error 5 +/- 5 mmHg).

Conclusion: deltaP(Ptop) should not be used to evaluate AS severity because, as opposed to peak and mean deltaPs, it is highly influenced by C. The new non-invasive method proposed in this study to estimate the LVSP may be useful for obtaining a more accurate estimate of global LV afterload in patients with AS.

How to cite: Kadem, L., Garcia, D., Durand, L. G., Rieu, R., Dumesnil, J. G., & Pibarot, P. (2006). Value and limitations of peak-to-peak gradient for evaluation of aortic stenosis. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 609–616.

Aortic valve area can be measured by cardiac catheterization, Doppler echocardiography, or imaging planimetry to assess aortic stenosis severity. These diagnostic techniques provide the Gorlin area, the effective orifice area (EOA) and the geometric orifice area (GOA), respectively. The differences between these three parameters depend mainly on the valve inflow shape and cross-sectional area of the ascending aorta. Because the values obtained may differ noticeably in the same patient, they may lead to different estimations of stenosis severity depending on the measurement method used. It is therefore essential to be aware of the underlying fundamentals on which these parameters are based. The aim of this state-of-the-art report was to clarify these hemodynamic concepts and to underline their clinical implications. Because planimetry only provides GOA and does not characterize the flow property, this method should preferably not be used to assess stenosis severity. The most appropriate parameters for this purpose are the Gorlin area and the energy loss coefficient (E(L)Co), which corresponds to the EOA adjusted for aortic cross-sectional area. From a hemodynamic viewpoint, Doppler E(L)Co and Gorlin area both reflect the fluid energy loss induced by aortic stenosis, and describe better the increased overload imposed on the left ventricle. Although the Gorlin area and Doppler E(L)Co are equivalent, the latter parameter has the advantage of being measurable non-invasively using Doppler echocardiography.

How to cite: Garcia, D., & Kadem, L. (2006). What do you mean by aortic valve area: geometric orifice area, effective orifice area, or gorlin area?. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 601–608.

Background and aim of the study: Patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) tend to develop dilatation of the ascending aorta. The study aim was to analyze differences in aortic root diameter and configuration in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve disease.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the angiographies of 461 patients allocated to four groups with: (i) BAV disease with (n = 179) and (ii) without (n = 78) dilatation of the ascending aorta; (iii) tricuspid aortic valve disease (TAV) and dilatation of the ascending aorta (n = 154); and (iv) coronary artery disease (CAD), TAV and normal diameter of the ascending aorta (n=50). Diameters and distances in the aortic root region were measured, and the ascending aorta configuration analyzed.

Results: The diameter of the ascending aorta in patients with BAV and dilatation was significantly larger than in those with TAV and dilatation (26.6 +/- 5.22 versus 24.4 +/- 3.74 mm/m2, p = 0.002). Distances between aortic valve level and point of maximum diameter of the ascending aorta at the outer and inner curve of the vessel in patients with BAV without dilatation were greater than those of the CAD group (31.1 +/- 5.27 versus 28.0 +/- 4.86 mm/m2, p = 0.002 and for the indexed values 21.6 +/- 4.05 versus 20.0 +/- 2.71 mm/m2, p = 0.011). All patients with BAV and enlargement of the ascending aorta showed asymmetric dilatation of the vessel.

Conclusion: All patients with BAV had an abnormal configuration of the ascending aorta. In cases with enlargement of the ascending aorta exclusively, asymmetric dilatation at the convexity of the vessel occurred. Patients with BAV and normal ascending aorta diameter showed an elongation of this vessel segment.

How to cite: Bauer, M., Gliech, V., Siniawski, H., & Hetzer, R. (2006). Configuration of the ascending aorta in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve disease undergoing aortic valve replacement with or without reduction aortoplasty. The Journal of heart valve disease, 15(5), 594–600.