An easy-to-use scoring index to determine severity of mitral regurgitation by 2D echocardiography in clinical practice.

PURPOSE: Mitral regurgitation (MR) grading by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography is challenging, but important to determine the best treatment strategy in patients with MR. Current guidelines advocate an integrative approach, although no recommendation is provided on how to do so. An easy-to-use index will be helpful for standardized and reproducible MR grading. METHODS: Eleven echocardiographic parameters were retrospectively evaluated in 145 patients with moderate or severe MR. Parameters were scored positive or negative for severe MR, where expert panel consensus reading was considered as the reference standard. Logistic regression was performed, and adjusted coefficients were used to create a risk score for severe MR per patient (ROSE-index). The best cutoff with corresponding predictive values was determined. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent of all parameters could be determined. Multivariable analysis revealed five parameters that remained significant predictors for severe MR: morphology, jet characteristics, vena contracta, systolic reversal, and left ventricular dimensions. With different weighing, a total score of 8 could be obtained. Median total ROSE-index score for moderate (2.0) and severe MR (5.0) did significantly differ. The cutoff score (≥4) revealed sensitivity 0.84 and specificity 0.83 to diagnose severe MR. Negative predictive value was 100% for score 0 and 1; score 6-8 showed a 100% positive predictive value. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were excellent (K-values >0.80). CONCLUSION: Here, we propose an easy-to-use tool for integrated analysis of guideline parameters to assess MR severity. Using this so-called ROSE-index revealed reliable and reproducible assessment of severe MR (cutoff≥4) that may be helpful for clinical decision making.

Gender gap in acute coronary heart disease: Myth or reality?

AIM: To investigate potential gender differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular disease (CVD) management, and prognosis in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed through Medline using pre-specified keywords. An additional search was performed, focusing specifically on randomized controlled clinical trials in relation to therapeutic intervention and prognosis. In total, 92 relevant articles were found. RESULTS: Women with CVD tended to have more hypertension and diabetes at the time of presentation, whereas men were more likely to smoke. Coronary angiography and revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention were performed more often in men. Women were at a greater risk of short-term mortality and complications after revascularization. Interestingly, women under 40 years presenting with ACS were at highest risk of cardiovascular death compared with men of the same age, irrespective of risk factors. This disadvantage disappeared in older age. The long-term mortality risk of ACS was similar in men and women, and even in favor of women. CONCLUSION: Mortality rates are higher among young women with ACS, but this difference tends to disappear with age, and long-term prognosis is even better among older women.