Mustafa KaraarslanI; Osman Fehmi BeyazalII; Mehmed YanartaşI
DOI: 10.21470/1678-9741-2023-0205
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of our study is to compare the early and mid-term outcomes of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy who underwent classic and modified Morrow septal myectomy.ASD = Atrial septal defect
AV = Atrioventricular
BMI = Body mass index
CABG = Coronary artery bypass grafting
COPD = Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CPB = Cardiopulmonary bypass
EF = Ejection fraction
EuroSCORE = European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation
HOCM = Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
ICU = Intensive care unit
IVS = Interventricular septum
LAD = Left atrial diameter
LVOT = Left ventricular outflow tract
MR = Mitral regurgitation
MRA = Mitral ring annuloplasty
MVR = Mitral valve replacement
NOAF = New-onset atrial fibrillation
NSR = Normal sinus rhythm
Q1 = First quarter
Q3 = Third quarter
SAM = Systolic anterior motion
SD = Standard deviation
TTE = Transthoracic echocardiographic
XCL = Cross-clamping
INTRODUCTION
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a genetic disorder of the heart muscle characterized by a small left ventricular cavity, myocyte dysregulation, and marked hypertrophy of the myocardium[1]. Although medical treatment is the first-line treatment for symptomatic patients with left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, according to the 2020 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (or ACC/AHA) guidelines, in patients with HOCM who are severely symptomatic despite guided medical therapy, septal reduction therapy (SRT) in appropriate patients, performed in experienced centers, is recommended to relieve LVOT[2].
The classic Morrow procedure was first described by Andrew Glenn Morrow in 1968[3]. In this classic procedure, a small muscle resection of the proximal interventricular septum (IVS) is performed to widen the LVOT, reducing systolic anterior motion (SAM) and relieving LVOT stenosis. Gao et al. described the modified Morrow procedure[4]. In this modified procedure, in addition to the classic Morrow procedure, the incision is extended to the midventricular region, widening the resection, and reducing the adhesions of papillary muscle and abnormal muscle bands combined with the IVS in the apical region. However, there are not many studies comparing these procedures.
In our study, we compared the early and mid-term results of patients with HOCM who underwent classic and modified Morrow septal myectomy.
METHODS
This study was designed as a retrospective single-center study involving a total of 48 patients. The data of patients over the age of 18 years who underwent septal myectomy due to HOCM at the cardiovascular surgery clinic of Istanbul Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital between January 2014 and September 2019 were analyzed. Patients diagnosed with HOCM and symptomatic, with ventricular myocardial hypertrophy and a resting LVOT gradient > 35 mmHg, were included in the study. Patients with aortic valve stenosis, mitral valve stenosis, and discrete subaortic membrane diagnosis were excluded from the study. The patients were divided into two groups - those who underwent classic septal myectomy (n=28) and those who underwent modified septal myectomy (n=20).
All patients’ basic demographic information, medical history, laboratory parameters, surgical procedure details, preoperative and postoperative 3rd- and 12th-month transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) data (IVS thickness, left atrial diameter [LAD], left ventricular posterior diameter, LVOT gradient, mitral regurgitation (MR) grade, and ventricular ejection fraction [EF]), and postoperative follow-up data were recorded by examining the hospital information management system.
Informed consent was obtained from the patients for this study. Ethics committee approval of Health Sciences University Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital was obtained for this study (2019.07.12).
Statistics
In this study, biostatistical analyzes were performed with the NCSS - Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 Statistical Software (Utah, United States of America) package program. In the evaluation of the data, besides descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, median, first quarter-third quarter), the distribution of variables was examined with the Shapiro-Wilk test of normality. The paired t-test was used for time comparisons of normally distributed variables, independent t-test was used for comparison of paired groups, Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of paired groups of variables that do not show normal distribution, chi-square test was used for comparisons of qualitative data, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for time comparisons of qualitative data. The results were evaluated at the significance level of P<0.05.
RESULTS
Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative data of the patients are shown in Table 1. The mean age of the patients was 51.79±16.02 years, and 24 (50%) were male. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of general demographic characteristics and comorbid conditions. Mitral valve replacement (MVR) was performed in nine (32.14%) patients in the classic Morrow group and in seven (35.0%) patients in the modified Morrow group, but no statistical difference was found. However, mitral ring annuloplasty (MRA) was performed in four (14.29%) patients in the classic Morrow group, while no MRA was performed in the modified Morrow group. Mitral valve intervention was higher in the classic Morrow group than in the modified Morrow group, but there was no statistically significant difference (13 [46.4%] - 7 [35%], respectively, P=0.42). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of coronary artery bypass grafting and atrial septal defect repair as a concomitant intervention. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of cross-clamping (XCL) time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and degree of hypothermia. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative pacemaker need, new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF), total drainage amount, extubation time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and hospital stay. However, while seven (25%) patients in the classic Morrow group died, no mortality was observed in the modified Morrow group during the follow-up period, and it was found to be significantly lower in the modified Morrow group (P=0.01).
Classic Morrow (n=28) | Modified Morrow (n=20) | P-value | |
---|---|---|---|
Median (Q₁-Q₃), Mean±SD or n (%) | Median (Q₁-Q₃), Mean±SD or n (%) | ||
Sex, female | 12 (42.86) | 12 (60.0) | 0.241 |
Age (years) | 51.79±16.02 | 45.75±16.7 | 0.212 |
Height (cm) | 163.29±8.06 | 160.75±9.57 | 0.322 |
Weight (kg) | 77.21±11.87 | 75±12.30 | 0.532 |
BMI (m2) | 29.09±5.15 | 29.01±3.95 | 0.952 |
Diabetes mellitus | 16 (57.14) | 11 (55.0) | 0.881 |
COPD | 12 (42.86) | 5 (25.0) | 0.201 |
EuroSCORE II | 0.8 (0.53-1.76) | 0.8 (0.60-0.98) | 0.653 |
Intervention for mitral valve | 13 (46.4) | 7 (35.0) | 0.421 |
Concomitant MVR | 9 (32.14) | 7 (35.0) | 0.831 |
Concomitant MRA | 4 (14.29) | 0 (0) | 0.134 |
CABG | 2 (7.14) | 2 (10.0) | 1.004 |
ASD closure | 1 (3.57) | 1 (5.0) | 1.004 |
XCL time (min.) | 76 (53.25-96.5) | 73.5 (50.75-106.0) | 0.733 |
CPB time (min.) | 111 (87.25-162) | 118.0 (81.25-146.0) | 0.863 |
Hypothermia (°C) | 28.64±2.41 | 29.45±2.37 | 0.253 |
Internal pacemaker | 2 (7.14) | 1 (5.0) | 0.761 |
External pacemaker | 9 (32.14) | 4 (20.0) | 0.351 |
Atrial fibrillation | 5 (17.86) | 5 (25.0) | 0.541 |
Total drainage (ml) | 450.0 (362.5-750.0) | 500.0 (312.5-825.0) | 0.903 |
Extubation time (hours) | 8.0 (6.0-12.0) | 7.5 (6.0-12.0) | 0.313 |
ICU stay (days) | 3.0 (2.0-4.0) | 2.0 (1.0-4.75) | 0.923 |
Hospital stay (days) | 7.5 (5.0-13.0) | 7.5 (6.0-13.25) | 0.643 |
Mortality | 7 (25.0) | 0 (0) | 0.011 |
ASD=atrial septal defect; BMI=body mass index; CABG=coronary artery bypass grafting; COPD=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CPB=cardiopulmonary bypass; EuroSCORE=European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation; ICU=intensive care unit; MRA=mitral ring annuloplasty; MVR=mitral valve replacement; Q₁=first quarter; Q₃=third quarter; SD=standard deviation; XCL=cross-clamping
1 Chi-square test
2 Independent samples t-test
3 Mann-Whitney U test
4 Fisher’s exact test
The comparison of TTE findings of the classic Morrow and modified Morrow groups is shown in Table 2. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of LVOT gradients in TTE findings at preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 3rd- and 12th-postoperative month TTE. In the classic Morrow group, the mean immediate postoperative gradient was significantly higher than the mean of the 3rd and 12th postoperative months (P=0.03, P=0.02). However, no significant difference was observed between the 3rd- and 12th-postoperative month gradients (P=0.15). In the modified Morrow group, the mean immediate postoperative gradient was significantly higher than the mean of the 3rd and 12th postoperative months (P=0.04, P=0.02). However, no significant difference was observed between the mean gradients of the 3rd and 12th postoperative months (P=0.76). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative IVS thickness, EF, posterior wall thickness, LAD, and moderate MR. No postoperative severe MR was observed in either group.
Classic Morrow (n=28) | Modified Morrow (n=20) | P-value | |
---|---|---|---|
Median (Q₁-Q₃), Mean±SD or n (%) | Median (Q₁-Q₃), Mean±SD or n (%) | ||
Preoperative gradient (mmHg) | 75.0 (55.25-81.5) | 77.5 (65.0-98.0) | 0.221 |
Postoperative gradient (mmHg) | 37.0 (29.75-47.75) | 31.5 (28.5-35.0) | 0.111 |
Gradient at postoperative 3 months (mmHg) | 30.0 (23.75-33.5) | 30.0 (21.0-31.0) | 0.231 |
Gradient at postoperative 12 months (mmHg) | 28.0 (22.5-30.0) | 28.0 (20.0-31.0) | 0.811 |
Preoperative IVS thickness (mm) | 2.32±0.29 | 2.31±0.34 | 0.852 |
Preoperative EF (%) | 63.75±2.92 | 63.25±3.35 | 0.342 |
Preoperative posterior wall (mm) | 1.48±0.29 | 1.50±0.39 | 0.202 |
Preoperative LAD (mm) | 4.12±0.52 | 4.04±0.87 | 0.162 |
Preoperative moderate MR | 6 (21.43) | 6 (30) | 0.493 |
Preoperative severe MR | 9 (32.14) | 4 (20) | 0.353 |
Postoperative IVS thickness (mm) | 1.91±0.29 | 1.89±0.28 | 0.752 |
Postoperative EF (%) | 63.39±3.05 | 62.5±3.44 | 0.242 |
Postoperative posterior wall (mm) | 1.36±0.26 | 1.43±0.32 | 0.312 |
Postoperative LAD (mm) | 3.89±0.54 | 3.97±0.69 | 0.302 |
Postoperative moderate MR | 2 (7.14) | 0 (0) | 0.504 |
Postoperative severe MR | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | - |
The comparison of preoperative and postoperative electrocardiographic and TTE findings of the classic and modified Morrow groups is shown in Table 3. Postoperative IVS thickness, posterior wall thickness, and LAD of the classic Morrow group were found to be significantly lower than preoperative values (P<0.001, P=0.01, and P=0.01, respectively). In the modified Morrow group, postoperative IVS thickness and posterior wall thickness were found to be significantly lower than preoperative values (P<0.001 and P=0.03, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between LAD (P=0.72). There was no significant difference in terms of EF in the preoperative and postoperative periods in both groups.
Preoperative | Postoperative | P-value | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Median (Q1-Q3), Mean±SD or n (%) | Median (Q1-Q3), Mean±SD or n (%) | |||
Classic Morrow (n=28) | IVS thickness (mm) | 2.32±0.29 | 1.91±0.29 | < 0.0011 |
EF (%) | 63.75±2.92 | 63.39±3.05 | 0.411 | |
Posterior wall (mm) | 1.48±0.29 | 1.36±0.26 | 0.011 | |
LAD (mm) | 4.12±0.52 | 3.89±0.54 | 0.011 | |
NSR | 26 (92.86) | 14 (50) | < 0.012 | |
LBBB | 2 (7.14) | 8 (28.57) | 0.032 | |
AV block | 0 (0) | 6 (21.43) | 0.012 | |
Atrial fibrillation | 0 (0) | 5 (17.9) | 0.022 | |
Moderate MR | 6 (21.43) | 2 (7.14) | 0.042 | |
Severe MR | 9 (32.14) | 0 (0) | < 0.0012 | |
Modified Morrow (n=20) | IVS thickness (mm) | 2.31±0.34 | 1.89±0.28 | < 0.0011 |
EF (%) | 63.25±3.35 | 62.5±3.44 | 0.081 | |
Posterior wall (mm) | 1.50±0.39 | 1.43±0.32 | 0.031 | |
LAD (mm) | 4.04±0.87 | 3.97±0.69 | 0.721 | |
NSR | 18 (90) | 14 (70) | 0.042 | |
LBBB | 2 (10) | 5 (25) | 0.082 | |
AV block | 0 (0) | 1 (5) | 0.022 | |
Atrial fibrillation | 0 (0) | 5 (25) | 0.022 | |
Moderate MR | 6 (30) | 0 (0) | 0.012 | |
Severe MR | 4 (20) | 0 (0) | 0.042 |
The comparison of the preoperative and postoperative gradient differences of the classic and modified Morrow groups is shown in Table 4. The preoperative and postoperative gradient difference of the modified Morrow group was significantly higher than of the classic Morrow group (∆70-∆39, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative and postoperative IVS thickness, EF, posterior wall thickness, and LAD differences. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative and postoperative MR, MR was worse in one patient in the classic Morrow group during the follow-up period.
Classic Morrow (n=28) | Modified Morrow (n=20) | P-value | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Median (Q1-Q3) or n (%) | Median (Q1-Q3) or n (%) | |||
∆ Gradient | 39.0 (26.0-50.0) | 70.0 (61.25-81.5) | < 0.0011 | |
∆ IVS thickness | 0.40 (0.3-0.6) | 0.45 (0.33-0.5) | 0.951 | |
∆ EF | 0 (0-0) | 0 (0-0) | 0.551 | |
∆ Posterior wall | 0 (0-0.1) | 0.05 (0-0.18) | 0.471 | |
∆ LAD | 0.20 (0-0.5) | 0.25 (-0.43-0.4) | 0.461 | |
∆ MR | Same | 11 (39.29) | 8 (40) | 0.961 |
Better | 16 (57.14) | 12 (60) | 0.841 | |
Worse | 1 (3.57) | 0 (0) | 0.391 |
EF=ejection fraction; IVS=interventricular septum; LAD=left atrial diameter; MR=mitral regurgitation; Q₁=first Quarter; Q₃=third Quarter
1 Mann-Whitney U test
DİSCUSSİON
HOCM is a disease characterized by diverse clinical features, including the risk of sudden death from arrhythmia, diastolic dysfunction, or LVOT obstruction, which is the major determinant of progressive heart failure[5]. Geometric changes in the LVOT, septal hypertrophy, and SAM of the mitral valve create varying degrees of obstruction in the LVOT, producing a gradient, and symptomatic HOCM develops[6]. Septal myectomy is a method that can be performed with low morbidity and mortality in patients who do not respond to medical treatment[7]. Although the classic Morrow procedure has been used for many years, many variations of this procedure have been reported[8]. Since there are not many studies in the literature to compare the results of these procedures, we designed this study.
According to the study by Lai et al. comparing classic and modified Morrow procedures, both the classic procedure and the modified procedure can reduce LVOT obstruction and relieve symptoms in patients with HOCM[9]. In addition, the modified Morrow septal myectomy was superior to the classic procedure in reducing the LVOT gradient with a lower incidence of MVR. According to the study of Song et al., modified Morrow septal myectomy is a safe and effective method of treating patients with HOCM and is superior to the conventional procedure in reducing the LVOT gradient and rate, restoring the normal anatomical atrioventricular size, and alleviating HOCM-related symptoms[10]. Similarly, in our study, the postoperative LVOT gradient decreased significantly compared to the preoperative LVOT gradient in both classic and modified Morrow procedures. In addition, the gradients at the 3rd and 12th postoperative months were also found to be significantly lower than the preoperative LVOT gradient and decreased over time. Although the preoperative and postoperative LVOT gradients were statistically similar for both procedures, the LVOT gradient of the modified Morrow group was higher than that of the classic Morrow group, while the postoperative gradients were lower than the preoperative gradient. The difference between preoperative and postoperative gradient reduction was significantly higher in the modified group than in the classic group. These results may indicate that the modified Morrow group is more effective than the classic group in reducing the LVOT gradient. In addition, IVS thickness, LAD, and posterior wall thickness decreased in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period in both groups, and there was no significant difference between the groups. No severe MR was detected in the postoperative period in either group, and there was no significant difference between the groups, while the moderate MR decreased significantly. Accordingly, both procedures can be considered for the treatment of HOCM.
Mitral valve management is also important in HOCM surgery. Structural anomalies in the mitral valve, elongated leaflet, abnormally located papillary muscles, and chordae in the anterior leaflet can be seen in HOCM patients, and these anomalies may cause residual obstruction and SAM in the postoperative period if they are not managed properly during surgery[11]. When there are abnormal chordae tendineae adhered to the left ventricular free wall, IVS, or papillary muscle fusion intraoperatively, these should be removed[12]. Wider resection with the modified Morrow procedure may be a more effective solution to the problem of papillary muscle fusion, and patients may have better postoperative clinical outcomes[13]. In the study by Lai et al., no significant difference was found in the classic and modified Morrow groups in terms of mitral valvuloplasty, but the MVR rate was found to be lower in the modified group[9]. In our study, although the MVR rates were similar in both groups, interventions for the mitral valve were more frequent in the classic Morrow group than in the modified Morrow group, although it was not statistically significant. Since our patients in the modified group did not have MRA and only had MVR, there may not be a significant difference between the results. However, we think that this difference will be more pronounced in future studies with a higher number of patients because insufficient myectomy and some structural abnormalities in the mitral valve may cause a higher rate of intervention to the mitral valve in the classic group. In addition, MVR is important in terms of eliminating SAM symptoms.
There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative pacemaker need, NOAF, total drainage, extubation time, ICU stay, and hospital stay. However, it was observed that the mortality rate was higher in the classic Morrow group compared to the modified group, and these deaths were generally due to low cardiac output in the early postoperative period. In the classic Morrow group, although not statistically significant, the higher rate of intervention for the mitral valve, the rate of severe MR and comorbid conditions, the higher postoperative gradient, lower gradient change, longer XCL time, and longer ICU stay may cause this situation. However, these results need to be better clarified by future prospective studies with a larger number of patients. In conclusion, when we look at all these results, we think that the classic and modified Morrow procedures may be preferred in the treatment of HOCM to reduce LVOT obstruction, and the modified group is superior to the classic group by reducing the intervention rate for the mitral valve.
Limitations
The most important limitations of this study are its retrospective, single-center design and the limited number of patients. In addition, due to the retrospective study design, we could not perform some analyses because we could not reach the TTE findings sufficiently. Since there were no long-term results, we could not evaluate some parameters such as the need for reintervention for the mitral valve.
CONCLUSİON
Classic Morrow and modified Morrow procedures are effective methods for reducing LVOT obstruction. The modified Morrow procedure was found to be superior to the classic Morrow procedure in terms of reducing the incidence of mitral valve intervention with the reduction of the LVOT gradient. Despite the limited number of patients, the data obtained from this study will guide larger, prospective studies.
REFERENCES
1. Nishimura RA, Seggewiss H, Schaff HV. Hypertrophic obstructivecardiomyopathy: surgical myectomy and septal ablation. Circ Res.2017;121(7):771-83. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.309348. [MedLine]
2. Ommen SR, Mital S, Burke MA, Day SM, Deswal A, Elliott P, et al.2020 AHA/ACC guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of patients withhypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a report of the American college ofcardiology/American heart association joint committee on clinical practiceguidelines. Circulation. 2020;142(25):e558-e631. Erratum in: Circulation.2020;142(25):e633. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000937. [MedLine]
3. Morrow AG, Fogarty TJ, Hannah H 3rd, Braunwald E. Operativetreatment in idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Techniques, and theresults of preoperative and postoperative clinical and hemodynamic assessments.Circulation. 1968;37(4):589-96. doi:10.1161/01.cir.37.4.589. [MedLine]
4. Gao CQ, Ren CL, Xiao CS, Wu Y, Wang G, Liu GP, et al. . Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2012;50(5):434-7. [MedLine]
5. Maron MS, Olivotto I, Betocchi S, Casey SA, Lesser JR, Losi MA, etal. Effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on clinical outcome inhypertrophic cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med. 2003;348(4):295-303.doi:10.1056/NEJMoa021332. [MedLine]
6. Kaple RK, Murphy RT, DiPaola LM, Houghtaling PL, Lever HM, Lytle BW,et al. Mitral valve abnormalities in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:echocardiographic features and surgical outcomes. Ann Thorac Surg.2008;85(5):1527-35, 1535.e1-2.doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.01.061.
7. Mataracı İ, Polat A, Songur CM, Aydin C, Yanartas M, Erentug V, etcal. . TurkJ Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2009;17(4):243-8. Turkish.
8. Maron MS, Olivotto I, Zenovich AG, Link MS, Pandian NG, Kuvin JT, etal. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is predominantly a disease of left ventricularoutflow tract obstruction. Circulation. 2006;114(21):2232-9.doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.644682. [MedLine]
9. Lai Y, Guo H, Li J, Dai J, Ren C, Wang Y. Comparison of surgical results in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy after classic or modified morrow septal myectomy. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(51):e9371. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000009371.
10. Song B, Dong R. Comparison of modified with classic morrow septal myectomy in treating hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(2):e2326. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000002326.
11. Klues HG, Maron BJ, Dollar AL, Roberts WC. Diversity of structural mitral valve alterations in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 1992;85(5):1651-60. doi:10.1161/01.cir.85.5.1651.
12. Dörge H, Schmitto JD, Liakopoulos OJ, Walther S, Schöndube FA. Extended myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy after failure or contraindication of septal ablation or with combined surgical procedures. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2004;52(6):344-8. doi:10.1055/s-2004-830323.
13. Vogel-Claussen J, Finn JP, Gomes AS, Hundley GW, Jerosch-Herold M, Pearson G, et al. Left ventricular papillary muscle mass: relationship to left ventricular mass and volumes by magnetic resonance imaging. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2006;30(3):426-32. doi:10.1097/00004728-200605000-00013.
Authors’Roles & Responsibilities
MK= Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; and the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data for the work; drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published
OFB= Substantial contributions to the analysis of data for the work; drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published
MY= Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published
Article receive on Monday, May 29, 2023
Article accepted on Friday, June 16, 2023