A CMR-based Study of 3D Torsional Behavior of Left Ventricle Post Mitral Valve Repair Surgery

Vahid Naeini, Seyed Babak Peighambari, Tanmay Mukherjee, Emilio E Mendiola, Reza Avazmohammadi
Texas A&M University


Abstract

Cardiac function is intricately associated with the mechanical dynamics of the left ventricle (LV), particularly its torsional deformation. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a prevalent cardiac abnormality, often necessitates surgical intervention like repair (MVRe) or replacement (MVRp), which can significantly impact LV torsion and overall cardiac mechanics. This study investigates the changes in LV torsion following MVRe by employing advanced cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging techniques combined with non-rigid image registration to capture and quantify complex three-dimensional myocardial deformations. A cohort of four patients was analyzed pre- and post-surgery using an approach that measures in-plane rotations as well as three-dimensional (3D) torsion. This assessment allowed for the characterization of LV torsion across different myocardial layers. These findings demonstrate significant alterations in the torsional mechanics post-surgery, which potentially reflect improved myocardial efficiency and function. The study underscores the potential of LV torsion as a sensitive biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of surgical interventions in MVP patients and may aid in refining postoperative care for enhanced recovery trajectories.