Mitral Valvular Coaptation-Zone Area Is Associated with the Severity of Atherosclerosis Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index

Abstract

Preservation of the mitral valve (MV) size is essential for valve function, and a reduced MV coaptationzone area increases the risk of developing functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). We aimed to determine if the MV leaflet and coaptation-zone areas were associated with the severity of atherosclerosis assessed by cardioankle vascular index (CAVI) in patients with normal left ventricle (LV) systolic function and size by real-time 3 D echocardiography (RT3DE).We performed RT3DE analysis in 66 patients with normal LV size and ejection fraction who underwent 2 D echocardiography and CAVI. MV coaptation-zone areas were measured by custom 3D software and indexed by body surface area (BSA). The associations of clinical factors and mean CAVI with MV leaflet and coaptation-zone areas were evaluated by univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses.On univariable analysis, MV leaflet area/BSA was significantly associated with age (r = −0.335, P = 0.0069