Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty reduces mean platelet volume in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis

Abstract

Background. Rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS) is associated with increased thromboembolic event, especially in the presence of concomitant atrial fibrillation. In addition, increased platelet activity including elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) has been demonstrated in patients with RMS. It has also been reported that percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) attenuates platelet activity. However, the impact of PMBV on MPV has never been studied. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate whether PMBV decreases MPV in patients with RMS. Methods. In the present study, MPV was measured in 20 patients with RMS planned for PMBV just before and 1 month after the procedure. Twenty sex- and age- matched apparently healthy controls were used for comparison. Mitral valve area (MVA), transmitral gradient (TMG) and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were measured using transthoracic echocardiography. Results. As compared to apparently healthy controls, patients with RMS had higher MPV (9.05?±?1.26 vs. 7.56?±?0.74 fl, p p p p Conclusions. As compared to apparently healthy controls, patients with RMS have higher MPV reflecting increased platelet activity, and PMBV is associated with a significant decrease in MPV 1 month after the procedure.