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Updated: Sep 30, 2025

A Simplified Stepwise Approach to Echo Guidance during Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair
Published on: October 16, 2021
Early paravalvular leak after conventional mitral valve replacement: A single-center analysis
Matteo Matteucci1, Sandro Ferrarese1, Cristiano Cantore1
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, Cardiac Surgery Unit, Circolo Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Introduction:
Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a well-recognized complication after mitral valve replacement (MVR). However, there are only a few studies analyzing leak occurrence and postoperative results after surgical MVR. The aim of this study was to assess the rate and determinants of early mitral PVL and to evaluate the impact on survival.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis involving patients who underwent MVR from January 2012 to December 2019 at our Institution. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography evaluation was done for all subjects before hospital discharge. Multivariable analysis was carried out by constructing a logistic regression model to identify predictors for PVL occurrence.
Results:
Four hundred ninety-four patients were enrolled. Operative mortality was 4.9%. Early mitral PVL was found in 16 patients (3.2%); the majority were mild (75%). Leaks occurred more frequently along the posterior segment of the mitral valve annulus (62.5%). Only one individual with moderate-to-severe PVL underwent reoperation during the same hospital admission. Multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative diagnosis of infective endocarditis was the only factor associated with early leak after MVR (odds ratio: 4.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.45-16.99; p = .011). Overall mortality at follow-up (mean follow-up time: 4.7 [SD: 2.5] years) was 19.6% and favored patients without early mitral PVL.
Conclusion:
The incidence of early PVL after MVR is low. PVL is usually mild and develop more frequently along the posterior segment of the mitral valve annulus. Preoperative diagnosis of infective endocarditis increases the risk of PVL formation.
Insights
Early mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) after mitral valve replacement (MVR) is uncommon and typically mild. Infective endocarditis significantly increases the risk of PVL development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Surgery Outcomes
- Prosthetic Valve Complications
Background:
- Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a known complication following mitral valve replacement (MVR).
- Limited studies analyze PVL occurrence and outcomes after surgical MVR.
- Understanding PVL determinants is crucial for improving patient results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and predictors of early mitral PVL after MVR.
- To evaluate the impact of early PVL on patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 494 patients undergoing MVR (2012-2019).
- Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography for PVL assessment.
- Multivariable logistic regression to identify PVL predictors.
Main Results:
- Early mitral PVL occurred in 3.2% of patients, mostly mild.
- Posterior annular segments were the most frequent leak location (62.5%).
- Infective endocarditis was the sole predictor of early PVL (OR: 4.96, p=0.011).
- Overall 4.7-year mortality was 19.6%, lower in patients without PVL.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of early PVL post-MVR is low.
- PVL is generally mild and often located posteriorly.
- Preoperative infective endocarditis is a significant risk factor for PVL.
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