Predictors of ischemic mitral regurgitation improvement after surgical revascularization plus mitral valve repair for moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) recurrence after combined coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve repair does occur, with a prevalence of 20% to 30% at the 2- to 4-year follow-up. This single-center study aims to identify the predictors of IMR improvement after surgical revascularization plus mitral valve repair for moderate IMR. METHODS: A total of 201 eligible patients were entered into an improved group (n = 141) or a control group (n = 60) according to whether moderate or more mitral regurgitation occurred at the 2-year postoperative time point. Clinical outcomes between groups were compared. RESULTS: The left ventricular endo-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), type of ring (rigid complete ring), and the use of repair techniques (restrictive annuloplasty associated with subvalvular and/or leaflet repair) were three predictors of IMR improvement after surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 0.921, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.865-0.976, P = .025; OR = 7.753, 95% CI, 3.168-17.742, P < .001; and OR = 0.168, 95% CI, 0.076-0.423, P = .004, respectively). The cutoff value of the LVEDD was 65 mm with a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 65.2%. Patients in the improved group compared with those in the control group demonstrated better cumulative survival during a median follow-up of 41.0 months (chi(2) = 4.559, logrank P = .033) and a reduced ratio of the New York Heart Association class III-IV at the latest follow-up (5.7% vs 38.4%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: An LVEDD of less than 65 mm, the use of a rigid complete ring, and combined restrictive annuloplasty and subvalvular and/or leaflet repair are associated with IMR improvement after CABG plus mitral valve repair for the treatment of moderate IMR; IMR improvement 2 years after surgery is associated with improved midterm outcomes.