Application of mitral valve coaptation height index and coaptation area index in patients undergoing mitral valvuloplasty

Objective To investigate the changes and correlation of mitral valve coaptation length index (CLI) and coaptation area index(CAI) after mitral valvuloplasty(MVP). Methods A total of 30 subjects undergoing MVP for mitral regurgitation(MR) were studied. Coaptation length(CL), CLI, coaptation area(CA) and CAI were determined before and after surgery by 2-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography(2D-TEE) and 3-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography(3D-TEE). Results Compared with preoperative measurements, CL, CLI, CA and CAI were significantly increased in postoperative studies [CL (4.7±0.7)mm vs (9.4±1.1)mm, CLI 9.1±3.3 vs 38.5±4.1, CA (148.9±65.3)mm2 vs (371.9±144.3)mm2, CAI 9.3±3.1 vs 35.9±7.5, all P<0.05]. CLI was significantly correlated with CAI both preoperatively (r=0.770, P<0.01) and postoperatively (r=0.771, P<0.01). Furthermore, CLI and CAI were significantly negative correlated with the degree of MR(r=-0.897, P<0.01; r=-0.886, P<0.01). Conclusions Coaptation variables increased significantly in subjects after MVP. CLI by 2D-TEE was related to CAI by 3D-TEE, and both were useful for the assessment of mitral valve coaptation. But CLI by 2D-TEE was more simple and feasible in clinic. Key words: Echocardiography, transesophageal; Mitral valve insufficiency; Mitral valve annuloplasty; Mitral valve coaptation