Correctly Estimating Systolic Anterior Motion Risk: Seeking Guidance from the Guidelines

We read with great interest the recently published “Guidelines for the Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Assist with Surgical Decision-Making in the Operating Room.”1 The authors discuss the assessment of postoperative systolic anterior motion (SAM) risk for patients undergoing mitral valve repair. Risk factors for postoperative SAM inc lude posterior leaflet elongation, decreased anterior leaflet/posterior leaflet ratio (AL:PL ratio), reduced distance between the basilar interventricular septum and mitral leaflet coaptation point (C-sept distance),2-6 and decreased aortomitral angle.
Source: Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research