Incidence, outcome and correlates of residual paravalvular aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and importance of haemodynamic assessment

Aims: Residual paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is common. We therefore evaluated incidence, determinants and outcome of PAR after TAVI. Methods and results: Data from 167 consecutive transcatheter TAVI patients were analysed. PAR was graded by angiography and the pressure gradient between diastolic aortic pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (Delta PDAP-LVEDP) after implantation. TAVI was technically successful in all patients. Mortality was 9% and 20% at 30 days and one year, respectively. Post-procedural PAR was absent in 54 patients (32.3%). Mild PAR was found in 89 (53.3%), moderate in 21(12.6%), and moderate-to-severe in three patients (1.8%). Cardiovascular mortality at 30 days and one year was increased in patients with moderate and moderate-to-severe PAR compared to patients with no and mild PAR (46% vs. 4% and 73% vs. 7%, respectively, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested Delta PDAP-LVEDP <= 18 mmHg as a novel predictor of mortality, with an area under the curve of 0.97. Conclusions: In patients undergoing TAVI, moderate and moderate-to-severe PAR was observed in 14.4% and associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. A pressure gradient Delta PDAP-LVEDP <= 18 mmHg carries adverse prognosis and requires further intervention.