Mitral regurgitation resident survival guide

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]; Mugilan Poongkunran M.B.B.S [3]

Mitral Regurgitation Resident Survival Guide Microchapters
Overview
Causes
FIRE
Complete Diagnostic Approach
Treatment Acute MR Chronic MR
Do's
Don'ts

Overview

Mitral regurgitation (MR) refers to a disorder of the heart in which the mitral valve fails to close properly during systole leading to leakage of blood from left ventricle to left atrium during systole and reduction in cardiac output. The symptoms associated with mitral regurgitation are depends on the phase of the disease process. Individuals with acute mitral regurgitation are often gravely ill with significant hemodynamic abnormalities due to decompensated congestive heart failure and low cardiac output that require urgent treatment, whereas individuals with chronic compensated mitral regurgitation may be asymptomatic, with a normal exercise tolerance and no evidence of heart failure. The management of acute MR is mitral valve surgery in most cases, whereas the chronic MR management depends on whether the condition is chronic primary MR (the mitral valve is usually abnormal) or chronic secondary MR (the mitral valve is usually normal) and the severity of the valve anatomy.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.

• Acute myocardial infarction
• Blunt chest trauma
• Infective endocarditis

Common Causes

Acute Mitral Regurgitation

• Papillary muscle rupture:
  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • Chest trauma
• Ruptured mitral chordae tendinae:
  • Acute rheumatic fever
  • Chest trauma
  • Mitral valve prolapse
  • Infective endocarditis
  • Spontaneous rupture

Chronic Primary Mitral Regurgitation

• Marfan's syndrome
• Mitral annular calcification
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Myxomatous degeneration

Chronic Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Infective endocarditis
• Ischemic heart disease

Click here for the complete list of causes.

FIRE: Focused Initial Rapid Evaluation

A Focused Initial Rapid Evaluation (FIRE) should be performed to identify patients in need of immediate intervention.

Boxes in salmon color signify that an urgent management is needed.

Abbreviations: ARBs: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist; CABG: Coronary artery bypass surgery; HF: Heart failure; IE: Infective endocarditis; LVEF: Left ventricular ejection fraction; LV: Left ventricle; MR: Mitral regurgitation; S1: First heart sound; S2: Second heart sound

Identify cardinal findings that increase the pretest probability of mitral regurgitation: ❑ Murmur: ❑ Soft, low pitched and decrescendo (in acute MR due to diminished pressure gradient between the left atrium and ventricle) ❑ High pitched and blowing holosystolic murmur best heard over the apex radiating to the axilla and back ❑ Silent (in acute ischemic MR) ❑ Heart sounds: ❑ S1 is diminished (typical) ❑ Wide splitting of S2 (low forward flow causing early A2)

Does the patient have any of the following findings of acute mitral regurgitation with instability? ❑ Sudden onset and rapid progression of pulmonary edema: ❑ Shortness of breath ❑ Tachypnea ❑ Crackles or rales ❑ Signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock: ❑ Altered mental status ❑ Oliguria ❑ Cyanosis ❑ Diaphoresis ❑ Tachycardia ❑ Hypotension

Yes

No

Continue with complete diagnostic approach below

Initiate resuscitative measures: ❑ Secure airway ❑ O2 ❑ 2 wide bore IV access ❑ Arterial line ❑ ECG monitor ❑ Monitor vitals continuously ❑ ICU admission ❑ Consider mechanical ventilation ❑ Consider pulmonary artery catheterization Order imaging and blood tests (urgent): ❑ Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) ❑ Chest X-ray ❑ CBC ❑ Serum electrolytes ❑ Serum cardiac troponin I and T ❑ Creatine kinase (CK-MB) ❑ Serum urea and creatinine

Is there any evidence of MR in TTE

Yes

No

Initiate medical therapy: ❑ Vasodilator (IV nitroprusside) PLUS inotropic agents (IV dobutamine) ❑ Aspirin in case of myocardial infarction ❑ Antibiotics in case of infective endocarditis Intra-aortic balloon pump: ❑ If medical therapy is not effective to maintain hemodynamic stability ❑ Effective especially in case of ischemic mitral regurgitation

Consider other possible diagnosis: ❑ Acute respiratory distress syndrome ❑ Sepsis

Does the patient have any findings on TTE that require mitral valve surgery: ❑ Flail mitral leaflet (papillary muscle or chordal rupture) ❑ Any signs of endocarditis ❑ Vegetations on the leaflets ❑ Paravalvular abscess ❑ Moderate to severe ischemic MR

Yes

No

Mitral valve surgery: ❑ Mitral valve repair: ❑ Most preferred ❑ Done in absence of papillary muscle necrosis ❑ Mitral valve replacement: ❑ In complex MR with extensive destruction ❑ Lateral LV wall motion abnormality

Reperfusion or revascularization: ❑ Early reperfusion for myocardial infarction can reduce localized LV remodeling and hence MR ❑ CABG or coronary angioplasty

Reperfusion or revascularization: ❑ For MR due to myocardial infarction ❑ CABG or coronary angioplasty Cardiac transplantation: ❑ On some occasions with no contraindication for surgery ❑ In patients with severe LV dysfunction

Complete Diagnostic Approach to Mitral Regurgitation

A complete diagnostic approach should be carried out after a focused initial rapid evaluation is conducted and following initiation of any urgent intervention. Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the complete diagnostic approach to mitral regurgitation according to 2014 AHA/ACC guidelines for management of valvular heart disease..
Abbreviations: AF: Atrial fibrillation; MR: Mitral regurgitation; EKG: Electrocardiogram; EF: Ejection fraction; S1: First heart sound; S2: Second heart sound; S3: Third heart sound; LV: Left ventricle; MVP: Mitral valve prolapse

Characterize the symptoms: Acute mitral regurgitation: ❑ Symptoms of shock and pulmonary edema: ❑ Shortness of breath ❑ Orthopnea ❑ Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea ❑ Cough ❑ Altered mental status ❑ Pedel edema ❑ Oliguria ❑ Cyanosis ❑ Pallor ❑ Diaphoresis ❑ Abdominal pain (may be suggestive of mesenteric ischemia) ❑ Symptoms suggestive of precipitating events: ❑ Chest pain (suggestive of myocardial ischemia) ❑ Fever (suggestive of infective endocarditis) ❑ Petechiae, Osler's nodes, Janeway lesions (suggestive of infective endocarditis) Chronic mitral regurgitation: ❑ Asymptomatic ❑ Typical in isolated mild to moderate MR ❑ Severe MR until there is left ventricular failure, pulmonary hypertension or atrial fibrillation ❑ Symptoms associated with decreased forward flow and increased backflow across mitral valve: ❑ Exertional dyspnea ❑ Orthopnea ❑ Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea ❑ Exercise intolerance ❑ Fatigue ❑ Light-headedness ❑ Exertional syncope ❑ Exertional angina ❑ Cough ❑ Symptoms associated with complications: ❑ Palpitations (suggestive of atrial fibrillation) ❑ Hoarseness (recurrent laryngeal nerve compression due to left atrium enlargement) ❑ Fever (suggestive of infective endocarditis) ❑ Stroke (suggestive of thromboembolism) ❑ Hemoptysis (suggestive of thromboembolism) ❑ Flank pain and hematuria (suggestive of septic emboli or glomerulonephritis) ❑ Seizures (suggestive of thromboembolism) ❑ Symptoms of right heart failure: ❑ Ascites ❑ Pedel edema ❑ Abdominal pain (hepatomegaly) ❑ Other etiology associated symptoms: ❑ Joint pains (suggestive of rheumatic etiology) ❑ Skin lesions (suggestive of rheumatic etiology)

Obtain a detailed history: ❑ Past medical history: ❑ Congenital heart disease ❑ Rheumatic heart disease ❑ Ischemic heart disease ❑ Valvular heart disease ❑ Cardiomyopathy ❑ Cardiac surgery ❑ Hypertension ❑ Diabetes mellitus ❑ Radiation exposure ❑ Collagen vascular disease ❑ Chest trauma ❑ Family history: ❑ Valvular heart disease ❑ Medications: ❑ Anorectic drug combinations ❑ Ergotamine ❑ Pergolide ❑ Cabergoline

Examine the patient: Vital signs: ❑ Pulse ❑ Rapid and thready (in acute MR) ❑ Low volume with brisk upstroke (in chronic MR) ❑ Irregularly irregular pulse (with onset of AF) ❑ Blood pressure ❑ Hypotension (in acute MR) ❑ Normotensive (in chronic MR with preserved ejection fraction) ❑ Temperature ❑ Fever (suggestive of infective endocarditis) ❑ Respiratory rate ❑ Tachypnea (typical) Skin: ❑ Cool and clammy (in cardiogenic shock) ❑ Cyanosis ❑ Peripheral edema (suggestive of right heart failure) Cardiovascular system: Palpation: ❑ Apical impulse ❑ Leftward displacement (in chronic MR due enlargement of the left ventricle) ❑ Hyperdynamic but in normal location (in acute MR) ❑ Thrill (in acute MR and severe chronic MR) ❑ Elevated jugular venous pulse ❑ Sign of elevated right sided pressure ❑ Seen in acute MR and severe chronic MR Auscultation: ❑ Heart sounds ❑ S1 is diminished (suggestive of MR) ❑ Wide splitting of S2 (low forward flow causing early A2) ❑ Loud and delayed P2 (suggestive of pulmonary hypertension) ❑ New S3 (suggestive of left ventricular dilation) ❑ Murmur ❑ High pitched and blowing holosystolic murmur (typical) ❑ Best heard over the apex radiating to the axilla and back ❑ Starts after S1 and continues up to and sometime beyond and obscuring A2 ❑ Other types of murmur ❑ Silent (in cases of acute MR) ❑ Mid to late systolic murmur (in case of papillary muscle prolapse) ❑ Early diastolic murmur (due to large diastolic flow across severe MR) ❑ Mid systolic click (suggestive of mitral valve prolapse) Respiratory system: ❑ Crackles or rales (suggestive of pulmonary edema) ❑ Tachypnea Abdominal system: ❑ Hepatojugular reflex ❑ Hepatomegaly ❑ Ascites Neurological system: ❑ Stroke (in case of thromboembolism)

Order electrocardiogram (urgent): ❑ In acute MR ❑ Mostly normal ❑ Findings of myocardial infarction ❑ In chronic MR ❑ Findings of left ventricular hypertrophy with strain ❑ Findings of left atrial enlargement ❑ Findings of pulmonary hypertension ❑ Findings of atrial fibrillation complication Left atrial enlargement produces a broad, bifid P wave in lead II (P mitrale) Order chest X-ray (urgent): ❑ Acute MR ❑ Normal size cardiac silhouette ❑ Signs of pulmonary edema ❑ Chronic MR ❑ Cardiomegaly ❑ Signs of pulmonary edema if left ventricle fails ❑ Calcification of the mitral valve annulus Calcification of the mitral annulus around the margins of the posterior leaflet forming a “C” Order transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (urgent): ❑ Confirmatory ❑ To determine severity and assess hemodynamic consequences ❑ To establish etiology ❑ To determine prognosis and evaluate for timing of intervention Order lab tests: ❑ CBC ❑ Electrolytes ❑ ESR ❑ Serum cardiac troponin I and T ❑ Creatine kinase (CK-MB) ❑ Serum urea and creatinine Other tests ❑ Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE if TTE is equivocal) ❑ Cardiac catheterization: ❑ In stable acute MR to detect coronary obstruction ❑ To assess hemodynamic status in symptomatic patients when noninvasive tests are inconclusive ❑ To assess the severity when there is discrepancy between noninvasive testing and physical examination ❑ Exercise testing: ❑ Done in asymptomatic severe MR ❑ To confirm the absence of symptoms ❑ To assess the hemodynamic response to exercise ❑ Cardiac MRI ❑ To assess severity when there is a discrepancy between clinical findings and echocardiography

Cardinal findings that are suggestive of acute mitral regurgitation ❑ Sudden onset and rapid progression of pulmonary edema ❑ Signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock ❑ Silent to holosystolic murmur on auscultation ❑ Normal ECG ❑ Normal size cardiac silhouette on chest X-ray ❑ Echocardiography findings: ❑ Acute severe mitral regurgitation ❑ Normal left ventricular size ❑ Reduced EF ❑ Ruptured mitral chordae tendinae (flail leaflet) ❑ Ruptured papillary muscle

Cardinal findings that are suggestive of chronic mitral regurgitation ❑ Asymptomatic to chronic symptoms ❑ Pre-existing heart disease ❑ Classic holosystolic murmur on auscultation ❑ ECG findings of left ventricular hypertrophy with strain and left atrial enlargement ❑ Cardiomegaly on chest X-ray ❑ Echocardiography findings: ❑ Mitral regurgitation ❑ Left ventricular dilation ❑ Preserved to decreased EF

Mitral valve anatomy

Normal

Abnormal

Chronic primary mitral regurgitation

Chronic secondary mitral regurgitation

Treatment

Treatment of Acute Mitral Regurgitation

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to the management of acute mitral regurgitation..
Abbreviations: IE: Infective endocarditis; LV: Left ventricle; LVEF: Left ventricular ejection fraction; MR: Mitral regurgitation;

Acute mitral regurgitation

Assess if the patient is hemodynamically stable? ❑ Hemodynamic instability ❑ Hypotension ❑ Cold extremities ❑ Peripheral cyanosis ❑ Altered mental status

Yes (unstable)

No (stable)

Initial resuscitative measures: ❑ Secure airway ❑ O2 ❑ 2 wide bore IV access ❑ Arterial line ❑ ECG monitor ❑ Monitor vitals continuously ❑ ICU admission Initiate medical therapy: ❑ Vasodilator therapy: IV nitroprusside AND ❑ Inotropic agents: IV dobutamine Consider the following: ❑ Mechanical ventilation ❑ Pulmonary artery catheterization

Initial resuscitative measures: ❑ O2 ❑ 2 wide bore IV access ❑ Monitor vitals continuously Initiate medical therapy: ❑ Vasodilator therapy: IV nitroprusside

Ischemic mitral regurgitation

Non-ischemic mitral regurgitation

MR due to heart failure exacerbation(functional MR)

MR due to IE (organic MR)

Initiate medical therapy: ❑ In cases of reduced LVEF (ischemic cardiomyopathy) ❑ Medications: ❑ Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors ❑ Angiotensin II receptor blockers ❑ Beta blockers Intra-aortic balloon pump: ❑ To improve forward cardiac output ❑ To reduce the impact on regurgitant volume Reperfusion or revascularization: ❑ CABG or coronary angioplasty ❑ Early reperfusion can reduce localized LV remodeling and hence MR Mitral valve surgery: ❑ Papillary muscle rupture ❑ Moderate to severe ischemic MR who are undergoing CABG ❑ Mitral valve repair: ❑ Most preferred ❑ Done in absence of papillary muscle necrosis ❑ Mitral valve replacement: ❑ In complex MR with extensive destruction ❑ Lateral LV wall motion abnormality Cardiac transplantation: ❑ On some occasions with no contraindication for surgery ❑ In patients with severe LV dysfunction

Initiate heart failure therapy: ❑ Click here for acute heart failure resident survival guide ❑ ACE inhibitors or (ARBs) if LVEF is ≤ 40% ❑ Beta blockers ❑ Intravenous inotropic drugs (dobutamine) ❑ Diuretic therapy ❑ IV vasodilators Mitral valve surgery: ❑ When there is no response to medical management ❑ Mitral valve replacement or mitral valve repair

Initiate medical therapy: ❑ Click here for infective endocarditis resident survival guide and antimicrobial treatment Mitral valve surgery: ❑ Urgent surgery: ❑ Unstable patients ❑ Persistent heart failure ❑ Pulmonary hypertension ❑ Early mitral valve closure ❑ Mitral valve replacement: ❑ Mostly done ❑ Due to extensive tissue destruction ❑ Mitral valve repair: ❑ If less mitral valve destruction

Treatment of Chronic Mitral Regurgitation

Chronic Primary Mitral Regurgitation

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to the management of chronic primary mitral regurgitation..
Abbreviations: AF: Atrial fibrillation; IE: Infective endocarditis; LVEF: Left ventricular ejection fraction; LVESD: Left ventricular end systolic dimension; MR: Mitral regurgitation; MVP: Mitral valve proplapse; PASP: Pulmonary artery systolic pressure; RHD: Rheumatic heart disease

Chronic primary mitral regurgitation

Severe MR: ❑ Etiologies: ❑ Severe MVP with loss of coaptation ❑ RHD with loss of central coaptation ❑ Prior IE ❑ Radiation induced leaflet thickening ❑ Left ventricular dilation ❑ Regurgitation fraction ≥ 50% ❑ Regurgitation volume ≥ 60ml ❑ Effective regurgitation orifice ≥ 0.4cm² ❑ Vena contracta ≥ 0.7cm

Progressive MR (Stage B): ❑ Etiologies: ❑ Severe MVP with normal coaptation ❑ RHD with loss of central coaptation ❑ Prior IE ❑ No Left ventricular dilation ❑ Regurgitation fraction < 50% ❑ Regurgitation volume < 60ml ❑ Effective regurgitation orifice < 0.4cm² ❑ Vena contracta < 0.7cm

Symptomatic (Stage D)

Asymptomatic (Stage C)

Initiate medical therapy: ❑ Vasodialators: ❑ Intravenous nitroprusside ❑ Hydralazine ❑ Beta blocker ❑ Diuretics ❑ Calcium channel blocker Mitral valve surgery: ❑ Mitral valve repair: ❑ Mostly preferred ❑ Mitral valve replacement: ❑ Mechanical valve in patients <65 years who have long-standing AF ❑ Bioprosthetic valves in patients with contraindications to warfarin Revascularisation: ❑ Concurrent coronary artery disease ❑ Revascularized at the time of mitral valve surgery Anticoagulation therapy: ❑ Warfarin: ❑ Target INR 2.5 (range 2.0 to 3.0) ❑ Rheumatic mitral valve disease who have a history of systemic embolism ❑ Left atrial thrombus ❑ Paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation ❑ Aspirin: ❑ 75 to 100 mg/day ❑ Recurrent embolism despite adequate anticoagulation Endocarditis prophylaxis: ❑ Initiate infective endocarditis antimicrobial prophylaxis after mitral valve surgery

Mitral valve surgery: ❑ Performed in the following patients: ❑ LVEF 30 to ≤60% OR LVESD ≥ 40mm (Stage C2) ❑ LVEF >60% AND LVESD < 40mm (Stage C1) ❑ With likelihood of successful repair > 95% ❑ With expected mortality < 1% ❑ New onset AF OR PASP > 50mmHg (Stage C1) ❑ With likelihood of successful repair > 95% ❑ With expected mortality < 1% ❑ Mitral valve repair: ❑ Mostly preferred ❑ Mitral valve replacement: ❑ Mechanical valve in patients <65 years who have long-standing AF ❑ Bioprosthetic valves in patients with contraindications to warfarin Revascularization: ❑ Concurrent coronary artery disease ❑ Revascularized at the time of mitral valve surgery Periodic monitoring: ❑ In stage C1 patients with the following: ❑ With likelihood of successful repair < 95% ❑ With expected mortality > 1% ❑ Clinical evaluation: ❑ Every 3-6 months ❑ Echocardiography: ❑ Every 6 months Anticoagulation therapy: ❑ Warfarin: ❑ Target INR 2.5 (range 2.0 to 3.0) ❑ Rheumatic mitral valve disease who have a history of systemic embolism ❑ Left atrial thrombus ❑ Paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation ❑ Aspirin: ❑ 75 to 100 mg/day ❑ Recurrent embolism despite adequate anticoagulation Endocarditis prophylaxis: ❑ Initiate infective endocarditis antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients undergoing mitral valve surgery

Periodic monitoring: ❑ Clinical evaluation: ❑ Every 3-6 months ❑ Echocardiography: ❑ Every 6 months Anticoagulation therapy: ❑ Warfarin: ❑ Target INR 2.5 (range 2.0 to 3.0) ❑ Rheumatic mitral valve disease who have a history of systemic embolism ❑ Left atrial thrombus ❑ Paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation ❑ Aspirin: ❑ 75 to 100 mg/day ❑ Recurrent embolism despite adequate anticoagulation

Chronic Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to the management of chronic secondary mitral regurgitation..

Abbreviations: AF: Atrial fibrillation; CAD: Coronary artery disease; HF: Heart failure; IE: Infective endocarditis; LV: Left ventricle; MR: Mitral regurgitation

Chronic secondary mitral regurgitation

Heart failure treatment: ❑ Click here for heart failure resident survival guide ❑ ACE inhibitors ❑ ARBs ❑ Beta blockers ❑ Intravenous inotropic drugs (dobutamine) ❑ Diuretictherapy ❑ IV vasodilators

CAD treatment: ❑ Click here for coronary artery disease medical therapy ❑ Aspirin ❑ ACE inhibitors ❑ Beta blockers ❑ Coronary angiography ❑ Click here for revascularization therapy

Cardiac resynchronization therapy: ❑ Cardiac resynchronization therapy with biventricular pacing: ❑ In functional MR patients with ventricular dyssynchrony ❑ Reduce LV end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions ❑ Reduce mitral regurgitant jet area

Severe MR: ❑ Echo findings: ❑ Regional wall motion abnormalities with severe tethering of mitral leaflet ❑ Annular dilation with severe loss of central coaptation of the mitral leaflets ❑ LV dilation and systolic dysfunction due to primary myocardial disease ❑ Regurgitation fraction ≥ 50% ❑ Regurgitation volume ≥ 30ml ❑ Effective regurgitation orifice ≥ 0.2 cm²

Progressive MR (Stage B): ❑ Echo findings: ❑ Regional wall motion abnormalities with mild tethering of mitral leaflet ❑ Annular dilation with mild loss of central coaptation of the mitral leaflets ❑ LV dilation and systolic dysfunction due to primary myocardial disease ❑ Regurgitation fraction < 50% ❑ Regurgitation volume < 30ml ❑ Effective regurgitation orifice < 0.2 cm²

Stage D: Symptomatic (HF symptoms due to MR persist even after revascularization and medical therapy)

Stage C: Asymptomatic (HF and coronary ischemia symptoms respond to revascularization and medical herapy)

HF and coronary ischemia symptoms respond to revascularization and medical herapy

Mitral valve surgery: ❑ Mitral valve repair: ❑ Mostly preferred ❑ Mitral valve replacement: ❑ Mechanical valve in patients <65 years who have long-standing AF ❑ Bioprosthetic valves in patients with contraindications to warfarin Anticoagulation therapy: ❑ Warfarin: ❑ Target INR 2.5 (range 2.0 to 3.0) ❑ History of systemic embolism ❑ Left atrial thrombus ❑ Paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation ❑ Aspirin: ❑ 75 to 100 mg/day ❑ Recurrent embolism despite adequate anticoagulation Endocarditis prophylaxis: ❑ Initiate infective endocarditis antimicrobial prophylaxis

Periodic monitoring: ❑ Clinical evaluation: ❑ Every 3-6 months ❑ Echocardiography: ❑ Every 6 months Mitral valve surgery: ❑ Only in patients undergoing other cardiac surgery ❑ Mitral valve repair: ❑ Mostly preferred ❑ Mitral valve replacement: ❑ Mechanical valve in patients <65 years who have long-standing AF ❑ Bioprosthetic valves in patients with contraindications to warfarin Anticoagulation therapy: ❑ Warfarin: ❑ Target INR 2.5 (range 2.0 to 3.0) ❑ History of systemic embolism ❑ Left atrial thrombus ❑ Paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation ❑ Aspirin: ❑ 75 to 100 mg/day ❑ Recurrent embolism despite adequate anticoagulation Endocarditis prophylaxis: ❑ Initiate infective endocarditis antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients undergoing mitral valve surgery

Periodic monitoring: ❑ Clinical evaluation: ❑ Every 3-6 months ❑ Echocardiography: ❑ Every 6 months Mitral valve surgery: ❑ Only in patients undergoing other cardiac surgery ❑ Mitral valve repair: ❑ Mostly preferred ❑ Mitral valve replacement: ❑ Mechanical valve in patients <65 years who have long-standing AF ❑ Bioprosthetic valves in patients with contraindications to warfarin Anticoagulation therapy: ❑ Warfarin: ❑ Target INR 2.5 (range 2.0 to 3.0) ❑ History of systemic embolism ❑ Left atrial thrombus ❑ Paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation ❑ Aspirin: ❑ 75 to 100 mg/day ❑ Recurrent embolism despite adequate anticoagulation Endocarditis prophylaxis: ❑ Initiate infective endocarditis antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients undergoing mitral valve surgery

Do's

• Always consult a multidisciplinary heart valve team for patients with acute MR, severe chronic MR and with multiple comorbidities.
• Consider vasodilator therapy in patients with chronic MR based upon the presence or absence of symptoms and the functional state of the left ventricle.
• Always consider patients with chronic MR who become symptomatic to be candidates for corrective mitral surgery.
• Perform mitral valve repair for patients with chronic severe primary MR limited to the posterior leaflet.

Don'ts

• Don't initiate vasodilator therapy for normotensive asymptomatic patients with chronic primary MR (stages B and C1) and normal systolic LV function.
• Don't recommend cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for routine diagnosis of MR.
• Don't prefer mitral valve repair to replacement to chronic severe primary MR patients involving the anterior leaflet or both leaflets when a successful and durable repair cannot be accomplished.
• Don't perform mitral valve replacement in patients with isolated severe primary MR limited to less than one half of the posterior leaflet unless mitral valve repair has been attempted and was unsuccessful.
• Don't perform coronary angiography before valve surgery in patients who are hemodynamically unstable.
• Avoid coronary angiography in patients of acute coronary syndrome complicated by severe acute mitral regurgitation.

References

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