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A Simplified Stepwise Approach to Echo Guidance during Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair
Published on: October 16, 2021
Early and mid-term outcomes of mitral annular calcification and transcatheter mitral therapy: a systematic review
Yosuke Sakurai1, Ashton McDonald2, Tsuyoshi Kaneko1
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Background:
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) poses technical and clinical challenges in patients undergoing mitral valve intervention. Patients with severe MAC were excluded from major previous randomized controlled trials evaluating mitral therapies. Consequently, outcomes following mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in this population remain controversial.
Methods:
MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through June 2025 to identify studies reporting outcomes after M-TEER in patients with MAC. This systematic review assessed the difference in MAC grading and M-TEER eligibility across studies. The definition of procedural success was documented to highlight inconsistencies. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality during follow-up. Secondary endpoints included procedural success, heart failure rehospitalization, mitral valve reintervention, residual mitral regurgitation (MR), and mean mitral gradient.
Results:
Six studies met inclusion criteria, including 2,808 patients undergoing M-TEER, of whom 363 (12.9%) had moderate-to-severe MAC. Most studies defined procedural success as MR reduction to grade ≤2, though only one incorporated a mean transmitral gradient <5 mmHg. MR reduction to ≤2 rates were comparable between patients with none-mild MAC and moderate-severe MAC. However, device success (MR reduction ≤2 and mean gradient <5 mmHg) was significantly lower in MAC patients (56.1% versus 81.3%). Post-procedural mitral valve gradient >5 mmHg occurred in 18.5-48.3% of MAC cases. Two studies reported increased all-cause mortality in patients with moderate-severe MAC during follow-up, with a mean follow-up of 20.4 months. Residual MR and reintervention rates were generally similar between groups, though mitral valve gradients tended to be higher in MAC patients.
Conclusions:
M-TEER is feasible in well-selected patients with moderate-to-severe MAC; however, elevated post-procedural gradients remain a concern and may impact long-term outcomes. The absence of standardized eligibility criteria for M-TEER and consistent MAC quantification limits optimal patient selection. Comparative studies with surgical repair/replacement and transcatheter mitral valve replacement are critically needed to define optimal therapy.
Insights
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) complicates mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER). While feasible, higher gradients and potential mortality risks necessitate careful patient selection and further comparative studies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Mitral annular calcification (MAC) presents significant challenges for mitral valve interventions.
- Patients with severe MAC have been largely excluded from major clinical trials on mitral therapies.
- Outcomes of mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in patients with MAC are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review outcomes of M-TEER in patients with MAC.
- To assess MAC grading and M-TEER eligibility across studies.
- To highlight inconsistencies in procedural success definitions and evaluate primary and secondary endpoints.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted through June 2025.
- Studies reporting M-TEER outcomes in patients with MAC were identified and included.
- Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality; secondary endpoints included procedural success, rehospitalization, reintervention, residual mitral regurgitation (MR), and mitral gradient.
Main Results:
- Six studies with 2,808 patients (12.9% with moderate-to-severe MAC) were analyzed.
- MR reduction rates were similar, but device success was lower in MAC patients (56.1% vs. 81.3%).
- Elevated post-procedural gradients (>5 mmHg) occurred in 18.5-48.3% of MAC cases, with increased mortality noted in two studies.
Conclusions:
- M-TEER is feasible in selected MAC patients, but elevated gradients are a concern for long-term outcomes.
- Lack of standardized criteria for M-TEER and MAC quantification hinders optimal patient selection.
- Comparative studies are crucial to determine the optimal therapy for MAC patients undergoing mitral intervention.
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