Mitral annular disjunction is a gap between the mitral ring and the ventricular myocardium, and is associated with mitral valve prolapse. A minority of these patients experience life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, but the incidence of such arrhythmias is largely unknown. Additionally, estimating arrhythmic risk in a clinical setting is challenging and imprecise. The aim of the project was to assess the incidence and explore possible risk markers of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral annular disjunction, with the overall aim to improve risk stratification and follow-up of these patients.
Credit: Lars Dejgaard and Kristina Haugaa, Hjerteforum 2019.
Eivind Aabel's thesis encompassed three studies that examined the incidence rate of ventricular arrhythmias and identified potential predictors of increased arrhythmic risk in patients with mitral annular disjunction. These findings enhanced our understanding of risk stratification, providing clinicians essential insights for assessing the necessity of varied follow-up strategies for patients with this condition.
During his fellowship Dr. Aabel was awared "Best Poster Prize" at the Annual Symposium on Heart Research two years in a row. He was also awarded with "Best Research Presentation" at the Norweigan Society of Cardiology Autumn meeting in 2021.
