Determinants of reverse remodeling in chronic severe aortic regurgitation: Role of myocardial hypertrophy and extracellular volume

Abstract

Background: Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) results in myocardial remodeling which is characterized by left ventricular dilatation, myocyte hypertrophy and expansion of the extracellular matrix. This study explored the potential of pre-operative myocardial remodeling to influence reverse remodeling following aortic valve replacement (AVR). Using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), we quantified extracellular volume fraction (ECV%) and indexed extracellular volume (iECVol), investigating their association with post-operative remodeling and exercise capacity.