Predicting mitral regurgitation following percutaneous mitral valvotomy with the Inoue balloon: comparison of two echocardiographic scoring systems.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) has become the procedure of choice for many patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis. However, the development of significant mitral regurgitation (MR) remains an infrequent but very important complication. The echocardiographic scoring system described by Padial et al. has been successful in predicting the development of severe MR following PBMV using the double balloon technique. HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to assess the applicability of this new scoring system in predicting a significant increase in MR with the Inoue balloon and to compare it with the established Wilkins score. METHODS: The echocardiograms of 23 patients who had undergone PBMV for symptomatic mitral stenosis were analyzed retrospectively using both scoring systems, and the severity of MR was determined from pre- and postprocedural studies. RESULTS: Post PBMV, significant MR occurred in four patients (17%) while severe MR occurred in two patients (9%). Padial scores [mean (standard error of the mean)] in the group of patients with and without significant MR were [9.1 (0.8)] and [6.0 (0.3)], respectively (p = 0.002), while the Wilkins score was [7.5 (1.0)] and [6.4 (0.5)], respectively (p = 0.3). Using 8 as a cutoff point, the sensitivity and specificity of the newer scoring system was 83 and 100%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of the Wilkins score was 50 and 50%, respectively. The positive predictive value > 8 was 100% (4/4) for the Padial and 25% (1/4) for the Wilkins system. Accordingly, the negative predictive value < 8 was 89% (17/19) for the Padial and 73% (14/19) for the Wilkins system. CONCLUSION: The newer scoring system is better at reliably identifying patients at risk of developing significant MR from PBMV with the Inoue balloon.