Diagnosis and Treatment of Valvular Heart Diseases

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Cardiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 2839

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Humanitas Gavazzeni Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
2. Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Department, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, The Netherlands
Interests: valvular heart disease; coronary artery disease; sex-based medicine; transcatheter intervention

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
Interests: valvular heart disease; coronary artery disease; sex-based medicine; transcatheter intervention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Valvular heart disease remains one of the most significant cardiovascular conditions, necessitating the collaborative expertise of cardiologists, interventional specialists, and cardiac surgeons.

In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in technological advancements, including the development of cutting-edge diagnostic imaging, updated therapeutic medication, sophisticated transcatheter valvular interventions, and refined minimally invasive cardiac surgical techniques. These innovations have significantly enhanced our ability to diagnose, treat, and manage valvular heart disease.

The primary objective of this Special Issue of Medicina is to present and discuss the latest advancements in the field of valvular heart disease, encompassing both diagnostic and therapeutic developments. We encourage the submission of original research articles, clinical outcome studies, novel interventional approaches, and comprehensive systematic reviews, with or without meta-analyses. Your contributions will play a crucial role in advancing our understanding and treatment of this complex and evolving field.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Valentina Grazioli
Dr. Ilaria Franzese
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • valvular heart disease
  • aortic valve disease
  • mitral valve disease
  • tricuspid valve disease
  • pulmonary valve disease
  • transcatheter intervention
  • surgery

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 568 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Implications and Predictors of Mitral Regurgitancy Reduction After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
by Murat Can Güney, Hakan Süygün, Melike Polat, Hüseyin Ayhan, Telat Keleş, Zeynep Şeyma Turinay Ertop and Engin Bozkurt
Medicina 2024, 60(12), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60122077 - 18 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 854
Abstract
Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common condition observed in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of aortic stenosis (AS). However, the impact of TAVI on MR outcomes and the factors predicting MR improvement remains uncertain. Understanding these [...] Read more.
Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common condition observed in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of aortic stenosis (AS). However, the impact of TAVI on MR outcomes and the factors predicting MR improvement remains uncertain. Understanding these predictors can enhance patient management and guide clinical decisions. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 156 patients with moderate to severe MR undergoing TAVI. MR severity was assessed via echocardiography at baseline, as well as 6 months and 1 year after TAVI. Patients were divided into groups based on MR reduction: no improvement or worsening, one-degree improvement, and at least two-degree improvement. Clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural characteristics were evaluated as predictive factors for MR improvement after TAVI. Results: MR reduction occurred in 68% of patients at 6 months and 81% at 1 year. Factors predicting a reduction of two grades or more in MR severity included lower baseline LVEDD (OR = 1.345, 95% CI: 1.112–1.628, p = 0.002) lower baseline LA (OR = 1.121, 95% CI: 1.015–1.237, p = 0.024), lower baseline LVMI (OR = 1.109, 95% CI: 1.020–1.207, p = 0.024), and higher baseline EF levels (OR = 1.701, 95% CI: 1.007–2.871, p = 0.047). No significant association was found between MR reduction at 6 months and one-year mortality. (p = 0.65). Conclusions: Baseline echocardiographic parameters are valuable in predicting MR improvement post-TAVI, with LVMI emerging as a novel predictor. However, MR reduction did not independently predict survival, underscoring the need for further research to optimize patient selection and management strategies in TAVI candidates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Valvular Heart Diseases)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1511 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Sutureless and Sutured Aortic Valve Replacements in Patients with Redo Infective Endocarditis
by Cagdas Baran, Ahmet Kayan, Canan Soykan Baran, Ali Fuat Karacuha and Sadik Eryilmaz
Medicina 2024, 60(12), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60122037 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 823
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aims to assess the postoperative outcomes and complications of sutureless and sutured aortic valve replacement in patients with infective endocarditis. Materials and Methods: A total of 58 patients who underwent redo aortic valve replacement for bacterial [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aims to assess the postoperative outcomes and complications of sutureless and sutured aortic valve replacement in patients with infective endocarditis. Materials and Methods: A total of 58 patients who underwent redo aortic valve replacement for bacterial or non-bacterial endocarditis between January 2018 and March 2023 were included in our study. Surgical procedures were performed through a full median sternotomy due to redo cases and to provide optimal access. Demographic characteristics, operative times, postoperative complications and some echocardiographic data were compared. All cases were meticulously evaluated preoperatively by a cardiac team to select the best treatment option. Results: The mean ICU length of stay was significantly shorter in the sutureless valve group at 5.4 ± 3.9 days compared to 7.9 ± 4.1 days in the sutured valve group (p = 0.029). However, the sutureless group had a mean operation time of 164.7 ± 37.3 min, while the sutured group had a mean operation time of 197.7 ± 45.6 min (p = 0.044). Again, the difference in cardiopulmonary bypass times between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.039). And again, four (14.2%) patients in the sutureless group underwent reoperation due to bleeding, while eight (26.6%) patients in the sutured group underwent postoperative bleeding control (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Our study suggests that sutureless aortic valve replacement may offer advantages in terms of operative efficiency and postoperative recovery compared to conventional sutured valves, with some significant differences in terms of some complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Valvular Heart Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1106 KiB  
Review
Ventricular Arrhythmias in Severe Aortic Stenosis Prior to Aortic Valve Replacement: A Literature Review
by Michal Martinek, Otakar Jiravsky, Alica Cesnakova Konecna, Jan Adamek, Jan Chovancik and Libor Sknouril
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040721 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Aortic stenosis (AS) is a frequent valvular disease characterized by the obstruction of left ventricular outflow. The resulting hemodynamic and structural changes create an arrhythmogenic substrate, with sudden cardiac death (SCD) often caused by ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) being a feared [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Aortic stenosis (AS) is a frequent valvular disease characterized by the obstruction of left ventricular outflow. The resulting hemodynamic and structural changes create an arrhythmogenic substrate, with sudden cardiac death (SCD) often caused by ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) being a feared complication. This review examines the relationship between severe AS and VA, detailing the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, and management approaches prior to aortic valve replacement (AVR). Materials and Methods: We conducted a comprehensive narrative review of the historical and contemporary literature investigating ventricular arrhythmias in severe aortic stenosis. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases using keywords, including “aortic stenosis”, “ventricular arrhythmia”, “sudden cardiac death”, and “aortic valve replacement”. Both landmark historical studies and modern investigations utilizing advanced monitoring techniques were included to provide a complete evolution of the understanding. Results: The prevalence of ventricular ectopy and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia increases with AS severity and symptom onset. Left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, altered electrophysiological properties, and ischemia create the arrhythmogenic substrate. Risk factors include the male sex, concomitant aortic regurgitation, elevated filling pressures, and syncope. Diagnostic approaches range from standard electrocardiography to continuous monitoring and advanced imaging. Management centers on timely valve intervention, with medical therapy serving primarily as a bridge to AVR. Conclusions: Ventricular arrhythmias represent a consequence of valvular pathology in severe AS rather than an independent entity. Their presence signals advanced disease and a heightened risk for adverse outcomes. Multidisciplinary management with vigilant monitoring and prompt surgical referral is essential. Understanding this relationship enables clinicians to better identify high-risk patients requiring urgent intervention before life-threatening arrhythmic events occur. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Valvular Heart Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop