Comprehensive Assessment of Mitral Regurgitation

At baseline, a comprehensive clinical assessment, including medical history, current medication, physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood tests, and transthoracic echocardiography, was performed. All patients underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination by an experienced echocardiographer. Quantification of MR severity was based on an integrated approach as recommended^{7 (link),8 (link)}; valve morphology, cavity sizes, and LV function were assessed. Left atrial (LA) diameters are derived from apical four chamber views measured at the end of systole, the diameter being measured parallel to the interatrial septum from the plane of the mitral annulus to the roof of the atrium. A LA diameter < 51 mm was considered normal, 51–60 mm mildly enlarged, 61–70 mm moderately enlarged and ≥ 70 mm severely enlarged.