Objectives: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in aortic stenosis (AS) is considered a compensatory response helping maintain systolic function, but constitutes a risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of LV mass regression after sutureless implantation of the Perceval S aortic valve bioprosthesis (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy).
Methods: Between March 2010 and July 2012, 78 patients with symptomatic AS underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) with the Perceval bioprosthesis. Mean age was 77.1 ± 5.3 years, 46 patients were female (59%) and mean logistic EuroSCORE was 11 ± 7.5%. Echocardiography was performed preoperatively, at discharge, and at follow-up (mean 13.5 ± 7.3 months). LV mass was calculated using the Devereux formula and indexed to body surface area.
Results: There was 1 in-hospital non-cardiac death and 3 late deaths. LV mass index decreased from 148.4 ± 46 g/m(2) at baseline to 119.7 ± 38.5 g/m(2) at follow-up (P = 0.002). No significant changes were observed in LV hypertrophy and/or relative wall thickness >0.42 as well as in LV ejection fraction. Mean aortic gradient decreased from 49.5 ± 15.8 mmHg at baseline to 11.6 ± 5.1 mmHg at discharge and 8.3 ± 4.4 mmHg at follow-up (P < 0.001), resulting in significant clinical improvement. No moderate or severe paravalvular leakage was observed at discharge and at follow-up.
Conclusions: In AS patients, isolated AVR with the Perceval sutureless bioprosthesis is associated with significant LV mass regression at 1-year follow-up. However, longer-term follow-up is necessary to confirm these findings.
Keywords: Aortic valve replacement; Echocardiography; Heart valve bioprosthesis; Left ventricle; Right ventricle.