Current Advances in Valvular Heart Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Valvular heart diseases are a major public health problem associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality when not treated. Over the last decade, there has been a growing appreciation for the importance of the underlying mechanism of valvular heart disease and imaging, and the independent association of tricuspid valve regurgitation to reduced survival. Early and timely valvular heart disease intervention is associated with improved outcomes. However, due to their silent nature, valvular heart diseases frequently go underdiagnosed or are diagnosed late, often leading to no intervention or delayed intervention.

This Special Issue highlights strategies for the early diagnosis of valvular heart disease, such as machine learning or artificial intelligence, and the broadening understanding of mechanisms of valvular heart disease and their impact on the type and timing of intervention. 

The topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in valvular heart disease;
2. Evaluation and management of primary and secondary mitral regurgitation;
3. Evaluation and management of primary and secondary tricuspid valve regurgitation;
4. Transcatheter valve therapies for aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve disease;
5. Minimally invasive surgical strategies for the treatment of valvular heart disease.

Dr. Vuyisile T. Nkomo
Guest Editor

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• valve disease
• aortic valve stenosis
• aortic valve regurgitation
• mitral valve stenosis
• mitral valve regurgitation
• mitral annular calcification
• tricuspid valve regurgitation
• machine learning
• artificial intelligence
• echocardiography

Title: Racial and ethnic disparities in the presentation and outcome of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms
Authors: Nora Bacour; Rutger T Theijse; Nimrat Grewal; R Klautz
Affiliation: Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Leiden University Medical Center
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) pose critical health risks, often asymptomatic until a rupture or dissection occurs. Current guidelines recommend surgical repair based on specific aortic diameters and risk factors, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. Despite established clinical risk factors for early detection in TAAs, the influence of racial and ethnic disparities on TAAs remains underexplored. This study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of existing research on racial and ethnic disparities in the presentation and outcomes of TAAs. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with the objective of exploring racial and ethnic differences in the presentation and surgical outcomes of patients with TAAs. Results: The findings demonstrated that black patients were younger at presentation and had a higher incidence of ruptured TAAs than non-black patients. Furthermore, compared to non-black patients, black patients had higher rates of cardiac arrhythmia and COPD, as well as comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and renal insufficiency. For black patients undergoing open surgery, the surgical results showed improved 5-year survival rates after repair but higher perioperative mortality rates. All-cause or in-hospital mortality did not significantly differ between the racial groups, according to four studies. Discussion: This review highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in TAA presentation and outcomes, underscoring the need for personalized risk stratification models. Standardized racial and ethnic definitions are essential for consistent and reliable research. Future studies should focus on refining risk assessment models to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes across diverse populations.