326 STAGED ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT FOR MULTIVALVULAR HEART DISEASE: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Malara Silvia , Burzotta Francesco , Aurigemma Cristina , Romagnoli Enrico , Graziani Francesca , Trani Calro 
Published: December 2022

Background: Multiple valvular heart disease is a very prevalent condition and represents a challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, multiple valvular lesions are often treated during the same procedure. In older high-risk patients, the treatment of choice for VHD is usually percutaneous: transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been widely developed in the past years and percutaneous interventions on other valvular lesions are rapidly evolving. In patients undergoing TAVR, concomitant severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequent and it's a marker of advanced disease. After TAVR, secondary TR can regress to a lower grade; persistent TR is associated with higher incidence of heart failure and mortality, so an additional intervention for TR is reasonable. The aim of this case report is to highlight the role of staged percutaneous treatment of multiple VHD as a new paradigm, with reassessment of other valvular lesion severity after the first endovascular valvular treatment

Case description: We describe a case of successful staged percutaneous treatment for severe low flow – low gradient aortic stenosis in a 71 years old patient, with previous mitral valve replacement with mechanical valve and tricuspid annuloplasty, atrial fibrillation and COPD (STS score 9.5%). Four years after cardiac surgery she experienced worsening dyspnea and two hospitalizations for pulmonary edema; the echocardiography showed significant biventricular dysfunction, severe aortic stenosis (low-flow low-gradient, with contractile reserve at dobutamine stress echocardiography) and normal function of mitral prosthesis. The case was evaluated by a multidisciplinary ‘’Heart Team’’ and a decision was made to undergo TAVR and then reassess TR severity and patient symptoms. She underwent TAVR (Evolut Pro 26 mm direct implantation) using a ‘’less-invasive totally-endovascular’’ technique, without complications. Two month later the echocardiogram showed a little improvement in left ventricular systolic function and persistent severe tricuspid regurgitations; the patient was still symptomatic for leg swelling and fatigue. After a second evaluation from the ‘’Heart Team’’, she underwent successful transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-ring implantation (Edwards Sapien3 29) via right transgiugular approach, with no complications. 19 months after she was alive, with no more hospitalization, NYHA class II, on heart failure therapy; at an echocardiogram tricuspid regurgitation was mild-to-moderate.

Discussion: Multivalular heart disease patients more often have several comorbidities, greater cardiac damage, that leads to higher incidence of heart failure and death than single VHD. In particular right ventricular dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation, mostly secondary to pressure overload, are associated with adverse outcomes in severe aortic stenosis, especially in the ‘’low flow- low gradient’’ group. After treatment of a severe valvular disease, hemodynamic changes in pression and volume loads may improve the function of other valves, so previous valvulopaties can regress to a lower stage of severity, with a better prognosis and the possibility to avoid a second valvular treatment and all the procedural risks.

Conclusion

There is lack of data in the literature concerning the management of multiple VDH, which does not allow for evidence-based recommendations in current guidelines. Transcatherer interventions offer the option of a staged approach and a tailored treatment, after accurate evaluation by the Heart Team.