Project description:Rationale: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is frequently observed following myocardial infarction (MI) and is associated with higher mortality and poor clinical prognosis if left untreated. Accumulating evidence suggests that mitral valve (MV) leaflets actively remodel post-MI, yet the cellular mechanisms underlying these responses and how this affects tissue function remain largely unknown. Objective: We sought to elucidate MV remodeling post-MI at the tissue, cellular, and transcriptomic levels. Methods and Results: The mechanical behavior of ovine MV leaflets pre-MI and 8 weeks post-MI reveal a significant decrease in radial direction extensibility, which essentially eliminated the mechanical anisotropy typically observed in healthy MVs. Quantitative histology and ultrastructural assessment by transmission electron microscopy revealed altered leaflet composition and architecture at 8 weeks post-MI. Assessment of the MV interstitial cell (MVIC) nuclear aspect ratio, a metric of cellular deformation, revealed that MVICs were on average rounder following MI. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) indicated that YAP-induced genes were elevated at 4 weeks post-MI and genes related to extracellular matrix organization were some of the most downregulated in sheep with IMR compared to sheep without IMR at 4 weeks post-MI. Additionally, RNA-seq revealed the possible recruitment of immune cells in this remodeling process due to the drastic elevation of CXCL9 and CLEC10A. Conclusions: This multiscale assessment revealed significant mechanical and microstructural changes due to MI. RNA-seq provided a baseline for global gene expression changes in response to MI with and without IMR and suggests YAP-induced mechanotransduction, altered expression of ECM-related genes, and recruitment of immune cells as mechanisms contributing to altered MV biomechanics post-MI. Conclusions: This multiscale assessment revealed significant mechanical and microstructural changes due to MI. RNA-seq provided a baseline for global gene expression changes in response to MI with and without IMR and suggests YAP-induced mechanotransduction, altered expression of ECM-related genes, and recruitment of immune cells as mechanisms contributing to altered MV biomechanics post-MI.
Project description:We report the case of a 54-year-old patient who underwent a repeated mitral replacement after a nontraumatic fracture of a leaflet of an Edwards Duromedics (Baxter) mechanical prosthesis that was performed 33 years after implantation. This paper discusses the different options for surgical management of such a complication. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).
Project description:BackgroundAortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common valvular disorders worldwide. An increasing number of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures are being performed yearly for managing AS. This, along with the occurrence of common complications, makes timely diagnosis essential to manage rare complications and improve patient outcomes.Case summaryWe present a case of a 77-year-old Caucasian male with severe AS with a dysfunctional bioprosthetic valve following previous surgical valve replacement. During valve-in-valve TAVI, we noted bioprosthetic valve leaflet avulsion and embolization causing a major vascular occlusion that resulted in vascular insufficiency of the left lower extremity. This condition was managed successfully via immediate diagnosis using transoesophageal echocardiogram, angiogram, and vascular surgical intervention for retrieving the embolized valve to re-establish circulation.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first case of aortic valve leaflet embolization during TAVI resulting in significant vascular insufficiency. Vascular complications are common during TAVI. However, not all vascular complications are the same. Our case highlights an embolic vascular complication from an avulsed prosthetic material during a challenging valve-in-valve TAVI procedure.
Project description:Transcatheter closure of mitral valve leaflet perforation is a very rarely performed and a difficult procedure for repairing the defect. Herein, we are the first to report on both the safety and feasibility of percutaneous retrograde transcatheter closure of anterior mitral valve leaflet perforation with an AMPLATZER™ Duct Occluder II (6 mm × 6 mm, ADO II; Abbott Vascular, IL, USA) device in a 19-year-old patient with a severe mitral valve regurgitation following cardiac surgery.
Project description:Graphical abstract Highlights • MV abscesses and aneurysms are uncommon complications of IE.• Serial echocardiography is important to identify perivalvular complications.• Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography has incremental value in diagnosis.