Student Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea
Abstract: Background - The Mitral Insufficiency Echocardiographic (MINE) score, validated for Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease (MMVD) severity assessment, prognosticates survival outcomes. Objectives – This study aimed to employ the MINE score at MMVD stage B2 diagnosis to correlate with disease progression to stage C.Animals: The study analyzed the medical records of 83 dogs diagnosed with stage B2 MMVD at Seoul National University Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (May 2018 to August 2023).
Methods: These dogs underwent regular echocardiographic evaluations (minimum four assessments annually post-diagnosis). The cohort was divided into two groups: 53 dogs progressing to stage C and a control group (remaining in stage B2 beyond the mean progression time).
Results: Categorizing based on MINE scores (mild, moderate, severe), mean progression times to stage C were 811 days (mild), 544 days (moderate), and 336 days (severe). Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (p < 0.01). Conclusions and clinical importance: The study suggests the MINE score may predict MMVD stage B2 to C transition, allowing early intervention for high-risk patients. Acknowledging limitations like the small sample size and lacking MINE scores at later stages, further large-scale studies with comprehensive MINE score evaluations are crucial for increased clinical applicability in MMVD management. This study highlights the importance of early risk assessment and intervention in potentially improving patient outcomes.
