Quantitative measurement of mitral valve coaptation in functional mitral regurgitation: In vivo experimental study by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography

SummaryBackgroundThe degree of mitral valve (MV) coaptation should be an important parameter in the assessment of functional mitral regurgitation (MR). This study aimed to quantify the degree of MV coaptation in experimental models of functional MR caused by acute left ventricular (LV) pressure overload, using real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography.Methods and resultsUsing canine models, LV pressure overload was induced by staged ascending aortic banding. Echocardiographic examinations were performed before and during the aortic banding. By using a novel software system for 3D quantification (REALVIEW®), the annulus and leaflet were traced manually both at the onset of MV closure and at the maximum MV closure. The coaptation index was calculated by the following formula: [(3D tenting surface area at the onset of MV closure-3D tenting surface area at the maximum MV closure)/3D tenting surface area at the onset of MV closure] × 100.MR area gradually increased with the decrease in coaptation index during progressively exacerbated aortic banding. MR area was significantly correlated with the coaptation index. A coaptation index <12 had a high sensitivity and specificity in the presence of significant MR.ConclusionsThe degree of MV coaptation can be quantified using 3D echocardiography. The coaptation index should be a useful parameter in the assessment of functional MR.