Annular geometry and motion in human ischemic mitral regurgitation: novel assessment with three-dimensional echocardiography and computer reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
Annular geometry and motion in functional ischemic mitral regurgitation are incompletely understood. Three-dimensional echocardiography demonstrates saddle-shaped annular geometry, but standard methodology does not enable quantification of annular motion. Therefore, a novel technique using three-dimensional echocardiography and computer software was used to characterize alterations in mitral annular geometry and motion in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation.


METHODS
We developed a computer program to reconstruct the mitral annulus based on spatial coordinates from three-dimensional echocardiography. Data were obtained at end-diastole and end-systole in 7 patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation and 5 normal control subjects. Mitral annular motion was quantified by calculating the displacement area of the annulus between end-diastole and end-systole.


RESULTS
Comparison of ischemic mitral regurgitation and control patients revealed differences in annular geometry and motion at end-diastole. Annular perimeter was greater in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (10.7 +/- 0.7 cm versus 8.6 +/- 0.2 cm in control group; p < 0.03), with increased intertrigonal distance in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (2.8 +/- 0.3 cm versus 2.1 +/- 0.1 cm; p < 0.06). These changes resulted in increased annular orifice area in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients (9.1 +/- 1.2 cm2 versus 5.7 +/- 0.3 cm2; p < 0.03). Ischemic mitral regurgitation patients had altered annular motion, with reduced movement of the posterior annulus (5.4 +/- 0.7 cm2 versus 8.7 +/- 1.1 cm2; p < 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Computer analysis of data obtained from three-dimensional echocardiography demonstrates altered annular geometry and motion in patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation. Patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation have annular dilatation, with an increase in anterior and posterior annular perimeters; this is accompanied by an increase in the intertrigonal distance and restriction of annular motion.
Ahmad
Rashid M
RM
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Gillinov
A Marc
AM
McCarthy
Patrick M
PM
Blackstone
Eugene H
EH
Apperson-Hansen
Carolyn
C
Qin
Jian Xin
JX
Agler
Deborah
D
Shiota
Takahiro
T
Cosgrove
Delos M
DM
D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009038:Motion; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012984:Software