Characteristics of MVP patients with pathological leaflet tethering
In patients categorized by MVN analysis as MVPt+, we demonstrated more severe clinical and echocardiographic characteristics. Apart from marked LV and annular enlargement, MVPt+ group presented significantly greater MR severity, elevated plasma levels of NT-proBNP and sPAP. All these factors have been shown to be correlated with adverse outcome in MVP patients.[26] [27]
Patients in our study with 3D VCA < 0.55 cm2had a very low likelihood of being categorized as MVPt+ with a calculated negative predictive value of 98%. Herein, occurrence of leaflet tethering is a specific marker for severe MR (3D VCA ≥0.55 cm2) within MVP patients.