Left Ventricular and Atrial Function Analysis Following Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair

Background: Conventional echocardiography used to assess volumes of the left ventricle (LV) and left atrium (LA) along with mitral regurgitation grade is routine in studies before and after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (Mitral TEER). Previous studies focus on LV parameter changes and comparison of the functions before and a few months following Mitral TEER implantation, as well as LA reverse remodeling, by assessing LV volumes. However, less is known regarding LA strain changes in the early phase after the procedure. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of Mitral TEER on LA strain early after TEER procedure. Methods: The retrospective study included 44 patients who underwent Mitral TEER. LA strain and volumes were evaluated by speckle tracking echocardiography at the baseline and 24-48 h following the procedure. Demographic, echocardiographic, and clinical characteristics were obtained and statistically analyzed. Results: LA global longitudinal strain (GLS) reservoir improved significantly (from 12.2 ± 7 to 14.7 ± 6.4, p = 0.0079) after Mitral TEER. Significant improvements were also seen in LA volumes (LA maximal and minimal volume), which reduced by 17% and 22.5% respectively. LV GLS was significantly changed (from -9.8% to -12.8%, p < 0.0001) following Mitral TEER, whereas LV stroke volume was not significantly different between the baseline and post-Mitral TEER (p = 0.7798). Conclusions: After successful Mitral TEER, there was a very early improvement in LA function. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography may contribute to our understanding of LA functional changes immediately post-procedure.