Among 229 patients with isolated mitral regurgitation due to a flail mitral leaflet, long-term survival was related to NYHA class (left panel) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (right panel). Mortality was higher in patients with poor left ventricular function as indicated by more significant clinical heart failure (class III or IV) and lower EF (<60 percent).
Data from Ling LH, Enriquez-Sarano M, Steward JB, et al. N Engl J Med 1996; 335:1417.
