Abstract

FALCONI, Mariano L. et al. Risk Stratification in Severe and Asymptomatic Mitral Valve Insufficiency: How Could Patients with Adverse Outcomes Be Identified?. Rev. argent. cardiol. [online]. 2008, vol.76, n.4, pp.286-291. ISSN 1850-3748.

Objective To assess the usefulness of a score which might identify adverse outcomes in asymptomatic patients with severe organic mitral valve insufficiency using clinical, echocardiographic and exercise variables. Material and Methods We assessed 375 asymptomatic patients with severe organic mitral valve insufficiency (61±10 years, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 67%±5%). The score performed included the presence of atrial fibrillation, end-diastolic diameter ≥ 40 mm, effective regurgitant orifice 55 mm², left atrium volume >120 cm³, age >60, and exercise time <7 minutes. The score ranged from 0 to 6.5. The primary endpoint was the development of symptoms and/or left ventricular dysfunction, defined as a decrease in LVEF >5% or LVEF <60%. The secondary endpoints included isolated symptoms, isolated left ventricular dysfunction, cardiac death and valvular surgery. Results During a mean follow-up of 10±3.5 years, 145 patients (39%) presented the primary endpoint; 157 (42%) had symptoms, 99 (26%) ventricular dysfunction, 10 patients (2.6%) died (7 of cardiovascular causes) and 207 patients underwent surgery (55%). The incidence of the primary endpoint with a score <2, between 2-3 and >3 was 2.3%, 26% and 78%, respectively. Primary event rate with a score <2, 2-3 and >3 was 2.3%±0.1%, 28%±4% and 73%±9%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.87. Conclusion In asymptomatic patients with severe mitral valve insufficiency, a score using clinical, echocardiographic and exercise variables is useful to identify subgroups of patients at greater long-term risk.

Keywords : Insufficiency, Mitral Valve; Risk; Procedures, Thoracic Surgery; Prognosis.

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