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Multivalvular heart disease (MVD) implies the presence of concomitant valvular lesions on two or more heart valves. This condition has become common in the few last years, mostly due to population aging. Every combination of valvular lesions uniquely redefines the hemodynamics of a patient. Over time, this may lead to alterations in left ventricle (LV) dimensions, shape and, eventually, function. Since most of the echocardiographic parameters routinely used in the valvular assessment have been developed in the context of single valve disease and are frequently flow- and load-dependent, their indiscriminate use in the context of MVD can potentially lead to errors in judging lesion severity. Moreover, the combination of non-severe lesions may still cause severe hemodynamic consequences, and thereby systolic dysfunction. This review aims to discuss the most frequent combinations of MVD and their echocardiographic caveats, while addressing the opportunities for a multimodality assessment to achieve a better understanding and treatment of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oliyad Eshetu Adare,1 Minda Abebe Seife,1 Lamesgen Geta Abate2 1Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia; 2Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Minda Abebe Seife, Email mindaabebe21@gmail.comIntroduction: As measured by a right heart catheterization, pulmonary hypertension is an increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure of more than 25 mmHg at rest or more than 30 mmHg during exercise. Some of the cardiac heart conditions that may develop during pregnancy include severe mitral regurgitation and mild tricuspid regurgitation. Prior to delivery, pregnant patients with pulmonary hypertension and significant multivalvular heart disease need to undergo careful preoperative, multidisciplinary assessment, and anaesthetic planning to maximize cardiac function during the peripartum period and make informed decisions about the delivery mood and anaesthetic technique.Case Presentation: A 30-year-old Para two Gravid three pregnant mother presented with chronic rheumatic heart disease, severe mitral regurgitation, moderate pulmonary hypertension, severe left atrial dilatation, mild aortic regurgitation, and mild tricuspid regurgitation scheduled for elective cesarean section. She had one previous cesarean section four years ago with an indication of fetal macrosomia. Her cardiac condition, however, was moderate mitral regurgitation, mild left atrial dilatation, mild pulmonary hypertension, and no tricuspid or aortic regurgitation. She had continuous follow-ups after diagnosis until now but has not taken any medication.Conclusion: Anaesthesia management in a patient with severe mitral regurgitation, moderate pulmonary hypertension, severe left atrial dilatation, mild aortic regurgitation, and mild tricuspid regurgitation was challenging in resource limited area. Even if spontaneous delivery is recommended for the patients with cardiac findings, a cesarean delivery will need in the area where limited access to support it. Goal-directed perioperative management with multidisciplinary involvement helps the patient to have a good outcome.Keywords: pulmonary hypertension, multivalvular heart disease, low dose bupivacaine, transabdominal nerve block, anesthesia management, case report

The prevalence of multivaluvular heart disease is high in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The most common combination is aortic valve stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation, followed by the combination of AS with a tricuspid regurgitation or mitral stenosis. Grading of multivalvular disease is challenging and can quickly lead to underestimation of the disease stage. Therefore, a profound knowledge of pathophysiologic interactions is essential, and the patient should always undergo multimodal evaluation. After a successful TAVI intervention, secondary heart valve defects may improve, deteriorate, or remain unchanged. Due to the still sparse scientific data in this field, the role of the heart team remains central to provide the patient with an individually adapted therapy plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivalvular heart disease (MVD) is an aggregate of regurgitant and/or stenotic lesions of at least two cardiac valves. Ventricular tissue deformation imaging is a powerful predictor of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with MVD.The aim of this study was to examine the left and right ventricular strain patterns in MVD as well as observe any association between right–sided valvular involvement (tricuspid or pulmonary valve lesion) with that of aortic and/or mitral valve lesion. Patients with at least moderate forms of MVD were included in the present study. 72 patients with mean age of 56.69 ± 14.59 years and various presentations of MVD were finally enrolled in this study. The commonest cause for MVD was rheumatic heart disease in these patients. Conventional 2-dimensional parameters as well as tissue deformation imaging parameters were assessed in offline mode for these patients. The Mean ± SD values for various quantitative 2D echocardiographic conventional and tissue deformation imaging were assessed. It was observed that LV strain parameters including the global longitudinal strain (GLS) were preserved whereas the RV strain parameters were mildly reduced (RV GLS total is − 19.49 ± 6.08%). Also, when conventional echocardiographic parameters were assessed to see any association between aortic and/or mitral valve disease with that of right-sided valvular lesions (tricuspid or pulmonary); 2D conventional echocardiographic parameters like left atrial dimension (p = 0.034), TAPSE (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) (p < 0.001), RVSP (right ventricular systolic pressure) (p < 0.001) and IVC (inferior vena cava) dimensions (p < 0.001) showed a statistically significant result; whereas, when strain parameters for LV and RV were assessed, they did not show any statistical difference for the same. In this series of patients with significant MVD, our findings suggest that ventricular strain parameters may be reliable markers of myocardial dysfunction, but may alter depending on the underlying combination of MVD, and right ventricular strain should also be an important parameter while assessing different combinations of MVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivalvular heart disease (MVD) implies the presence of concomitant valvular lesions on two or more heart valves. This condition has become common in the few last years, mostly due to population aging. Every combination of valvular lesions uniquely redefines the hemodynamics of a patient. Over time, this may lead to alterations in left ventricle (LV) dimensions, shape and, eventually, function. Since most of the echocardiographic parameters routinely used in the valvular assessment have been developed in the context of single valve disease and are frequently flow- and load-dependent, their indiscriminate use in the context of MVD can potentially lead to errors in judging lesion severity. Moreover, the combination of non-severe lesions may still cause severe hemodynamic consequences, and thereby systolic dysfunction. This review aims to discuss the most frequent combinations of MVD and their echocardiographic caveats, while addressing the opportunities for a multimodality assessment to achieve a better understanding and treatment of these patients.

Noonan syndrome and related disorders are a group of well-known genetic conditions caused by dysregulation of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS/MAPK) pathway. Because of the overlap of clinical and molecular features, they are now called RASopathies. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 121 patients with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of RASopathy, describing frequencies for clinical features in all organ systems as well as molecular data. The most common clinical diagnosis was Noonan Syndrome and the most frequently affected gene was PTPN11 followed by SOS1, RAF1, LZTR1, and RIT1. All patients had distinctive craniofacial features indicative of the RASopathy spectrum but we report some atypical features regarding craniofacial shape, such as craniosynostosis and microcephaly. We also describe uncommon clinical characteristics such as aortic dilation, multivalvular heart disease, abnormalities of the posterior fossa, and uterine congenital anomalies in female patients. Furthermore, the presence of multiple giant cell granulomas was observed specifically in patients with SOS1 variants. This comprehensive evaluation allows broadening the phenotypic spectrum of our population and their correlation with the genotype, which are essential to improve the recognition and the follow up of RASopathies as a multisystemic disease., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: Moderate secondary mitral regurgitation is common in patients with severe aortic regurgitation, but whether it has to be addressed at the time of aortic valve surgery remains unclear. With this study, we evaluated the long‐term fate of moderate secondary mitral regurgitation in this specific scenario. Methods: Between January 2004 and January 2018, in 154 patients admitted to our institution for treatment of severe aortic regurgitation, a moderate secondary mitral regurgitation was diagnosed. Ninety‐four patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (group 1) and 60 patients underwent also concomitant mitral valve annuloplasty (group 2). Results: One death (1.1%) occurred in group 1, whereas two deaths (3.3%) occurred in group 2 (p =.561). At 11 years, the cumulative incidence function of cardiac death, with noncardiac death as a competing risk was 11.5 ± 5.11% in group 1 and 8.3 ± 5.15% in group 2 (p =.731). The cumulative incidence function of mitral valve reintervention, with death as a competing risk, was 3.7 ± 2.61% in group 1 and 4.5 ± 4.35% in group 2 (p =.620) at 11 years. Secondary mitral regurgitation improved to ≤mild in 66% and 76% of the survivors of group 1 and group 2, respectively (p =.67). Conclusions: In our experience, in patients with moderate secondary mitral regurgitation undergoing aortic valve replacement for severe aortic regurgitation, concomitant mitral valve annuloplasty did not improve the long‐term survival, the incidence of cardiac death and mitral valve reoperation or the evolution of the mitral valve disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an intriguing case of multivalvular cardiac carcinoid syndrome with primary ovarian carcinoid tumour appearing as cystic teratoma. Since the systemic symptoms of carcinoid syndrome went unnoticed by previous caregivers, the patient was being treated as multivalvular heart disease of rheumatic etiology, a condition very prevalent in this part of India. In addition, the most challenging aspect of our case was the cardinal syncopal association, the cause of which was found to be prolong QTc monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, which is indeed a rare presentation.

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES The appropriateness of moderate aortic regurgitation treatment during mitral valve (MV) surgery remains unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcomes of patients with moderate aortic regurgitation at the time of MV surgery. METHODS We included 183 patients admitted to our institution for elective treatment of MV disease between 2004 and 2018, in whom moderate aortic regurgitation was diagnosed during preoperative evaluation. One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent isolated MV surgery (study group) whereas 61 patients underwent concomitant MV surgery and aortic valve replacement (control group). RESULTS One death (0.8%) occurred in the study group, and 3 deaths (4.8%) occurred in the control group (P  = 0.52). The rate of the most common postoperative complication was similar between the 2 groups. At 12 years, the cumulative incidence function of cardiac death, with non-cardiac death as a competing risk, was 4.7 ± 2.8% in the study group; no cardiac deaths were observed in the control group (P  = 0.078). At 6 and 12 years, in the study group, the cumulative incidence function of aortic valve reintervention, with death as a competing risk, was 2.5 ± 1.85% and 19 ± 7.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The appropriate management of moderate aortic regurgitation at the time of MV surgery deserves a careful evaluation by balancing the reintervention rate with the age, the operative risk and the life expectancy of the patient. Our findings suggest that a patient-tailored approach is the key to achieving the best clinical outcome for each individual patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Significant mitral regurgitation (MR) frequently coexists in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). These patients have worse clinical outcomes than those with non-significant MR, especially if MR persists after treatment of the aortic stenosis. The optimal treatment approach for this challenging high-risk population is not well defined.Areas Covered: This review aims to present the current literature on concomitant significant MR in the TAVR population, and to provide a comprehensive algorithmic approach for clinical decision-making in this challenging cohort of patients.Expert Opinion: Concomitant mitral and aortic valve disease is a complex clinical entity. An exhaustive and comprehensive assessment of patient's clinical characteristics and mitral valve anatomy and function is required in order to assess the surgical risk, predict the MR response after AVR and evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous MV treatment if necessary. Further developments in transcatheter techniques will expand the indications for double valve treatment in operable and inoperable patients with concomitant significant MR and aortic stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivalvular heart disease (MVHD) is present in one-third of patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). Compared to single VHD patients, these patients have a more significant hemodynamic impact and are often left under medical treatment. Most importantly, when undergoing multiple valve interventions, they show worse rates of heart failure and mortality. The guidelines-supported interventions in patients with MVHD in combined aortic regurgitation and mitral stenosis include percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy, open mitral commissurotomy, or surgical mitral valve replacement followed by transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement, trying to minimize the increased mortality risk of double-valve replacement. Simultaneous transcatheter valve replacement (STVR) for native MVHD is still off-label and not yet considered in clinical guidelines since the evidence of its results is limited to a few cases reported worldwide. However, fully percutaneous transfemoral STVR seems promising for MVHD patients thanks to its minimal invasiveness, the continuous improvement of the transcatheter heart valve devices, the likely shorter length of stay and the fastest recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first case ever reported of fully percutaneous STVR for native MVHD in aortic regurgitation and mitral stenosis. Deep understanding of both pathologies and their interactions, not only from a pathological point of view but from the procedural planning and procedural steps point of view is mandatory. Hereby we present the specific STVR procedural planning considerations, a step-by-step guide on how to perform an aortic and mitral STVR and its critical considerations, as well as the procedural and follow-up results., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the immediate and long-term outcomes of the Cox-Maze IV procedure in patients undergoing surgical treatment for multivalvular heart disease with atrial fibrillation. It also sought to identify predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence in the long-term period., Materials and Methods: We conducted an analysis of 92 patients who underwent multivalvular heart defect correction and simultaneous Cox-Maze IV procedure between 2017 and 2023. The mean age of the patients was 65.5 years (57.5; 69), 43 males (46.7%) and 49 females (53.3%). Sixty-six patients (71.7%) were classified as functional class III heart failure according to NYHA, while 3 (3.3%), 14 (15.2%), and 9 (9.8%) were classified as functional classes I, II, and IV, respectively. The types of atrial fibrillation were: paroxysmal in 15.2%, persistent in 22.8%, and long-standing persistent in 62%. The mean duration of atrial fibrillation prior to surgery was 15.5 months (10; 45.8) for those with paroxysmal form, 7 months (4; 9) for persistent form, and 60 months (22; 84) for long-standing persistent form. Mitral-aortic valve replacement was performed in 9 cases (9.8%), mitral-tricuspid correction in 69 cases (75%), and combined mitral-aortic-tricuspid correction in 14 cases (15.2%)., Results: During the hospital stay, there were 3 fatalities. In the long-term follow-up, 8 deaths were recorded, with 3 attributed to cardiac causes. Permanent pacemaker implantation was required in just one case during the long-term postoperative period. The freedom from atrial fibrillation was 61.4% in patients with paroxysmal form at follow-up of up to 46 months, 58.1% in those with persistent form at up to 63 months, and 32.5% in those with long-standing persistent form at up to 82 months. Three predictors of arrhythmia recurrence were identified: early postoperative atrial fibrillation paroxysms, a duration of atrial fibrillation exceeding 60 months, and enlarged left atrial size., Conclusions: The Cox-Maze IV rhythm-conversion procedure designed to restore sustained sinus rhythm is most effective in patients with paroxysmal and persistent forms of atrial fibrillation, achieving success rates of 61.4% and 58.1%, respectively. This procedure is not associated with a high rate of pacemaker implantation. An enlarged left atrium should not deter the use of the Cox-Maze IV procedure in patients with atrial fibrillation; however, atrioplasty is recommended if the left atrium is significantly enlarged. Episodes of rhythm disturbance during the early postoperative period and a history of atrial fibrillation lasting more than 60 months prior to surgery are associated with an increased risk of recurrence postoperatively. Therefore, careful monitoring of these patients after discharge is essential for early detection and management of recurrences.

Objectives: The appropriateness of moderate aortic regurgitation treatment during mitral valve (MV) surgery remains unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcomes of patients with moderate aortic regurgitation at the time of MV surgery., Methods: We included 183 patients admitted to our institution for elective treatment of MV disease between 2004 and 2018, in whom moderate aortic regurgitation was diagnosed during preoperative evaluation. One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent isolated MV surgery (study group) whereas 61 patients underwent concomitant MV surgery and aortic valve replacement (control group)., Results: One death (0.8%) occurred in the study group, and 3 deaths (4.8%) occurred in the control group (P = 0.52). The rate of the most common postoperative complication was similar between the 2 groups. At 12 years, the cumulative incidence function of cardiac death, with non-cardiac death as a competing risk, was 4.7 ± 2.8% in the study group; no cardiac deaths were observed in the control group (P = 0.078). At 6 and 12 years, in the study group, the cumulative incidence function of aortic valve reintervention, with death as a competing risk, was 2.5 ± 1.85% and 19 ± 7.1%, respectively., Conclusions: The appropriate management of moderate aortic regurgitation at the time of MV surgery deserves a careful evaluation by balancing the reintervention rate with the age, the operative risk and the life expectancy of the patient. Our findings suggest that a patient-tailored approach is the key to achieving the best clinical outcome for each individual patient., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)