Valvular Heart Disease: Difference between revisions

Life expectancy in adult patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease is not shortened when compared to the general population. 10-year survival in asymptomatic adults with bicuspid aortic valve disease with a spectrum of valve function, was 96%.<cite>Tzemos</cite> In asymptomatic adults with bicuspid aortic valve disease without significant valve dysfunction the 20-year survival was 90%.<cite>Michelena</cite>

   

A variety of aetiologies can cause aortic regurgitation by preventing proper coaptation of the aortic valve leaflets with a subsequent diastolic reflux of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle. Etiology of aortic regurgitation can be primary valvular, or it can be primarily caused by aortic root or disease.   

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Surgical intervention can improve the functional capacity and long-term survival of patients with mitral stenosis substantially. Survival rates of 96% and freedom from valve-related complications of 92% at 15 years have been reported.<cite>Antunes</cite> Surgery should be performed before New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III symptoms are present.  

Mitral valve regurgitation results from inadequate mitral leaflet coaptation during systole. This allows the systolic regurgitation of blood from the high-pressure LV to the normally low-pressure LA. The regurgitating volume depends on both the size of the regurgitant orifice and the pressure gradient between the left ventricle and the left atrium. In primary mitral regurgitation, inadequate mitral leaflet coaptation results from an abnormality in any of the functional components of the mitral apparatus. Secondary or functional mitral regurgitation results from left ventricle disease and remodeling.  

For most patients, mitral valve surgery is performed for the relief of symptoms or to prevent worsening of asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.   

Tricuspid stenosis (TS) is most commonly of rheumatic origin and combined with tricuspid regurgitation. The anatomical characteristics are similar to those of mitral stenosis, including fibrous leaflet thickening and fusion and shortening of the subvalvular apparatus. The preponderance of cases is in young women. Other aetiologies of right atrial obstruction are rare and include congenital tricuspid atresia, right atrial tumors and carcinoid syndrome

Surgical options for tricuspid regurgitation include annuloplasty or valve replacement with a mechanical valve or bioprosthesis. Functional tricuspid regurgitation may be repaired by suture annuloplasty (De Vega procedure) or by ring annuloplasty. Longterm outcomes of ring annuloplasty are superior to those of suture annuloplasty. Annuloplasty can be optimized by the use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. Bioprostheses are generally preferred above mechanical prostheses for the tricuspid position, as mentioned in the section about tricuspid stenosis.

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