Functional Mitral Regurgitation of Atrial Origin: Search for Diagnostic Criteria

Identifying the various mechanisms of Mitral Regurgitation (MR) is essential for understanding the disease, prognosis, and planning structural therapeutic approaches. Recently, several studies on valvular heart disease have recognized functional MR. This condition is associated with the impact of cardiac geometry on mitral valve function, rather than primary valvular injury such as rheumatic, degenerative, infectious (endocarditis), or congenital diseases.

Furthermore, within the group of patients with functional MR, a subgroup has been identified that does not present Left Ventricular (LV) dilation or dysfunction. In this subgroup, the likely mechanism of MR is chronic enlargement of the Left Atrium (LA) and the mitral annulus, commonly associated with atrial fibrillation. Preliminary studies suggest associated left atrial dysfunction, which can be measured through tissue mechanics analysis. These factors likely contribute to the reduction of the coaptation surface of the mitral leaflet edges.

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