Mitral Valve Prolapse

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

billowing of redundant mitral valve into LA during systole

“floppy mitral valve” (myxomatous mitral valve)

Question 2

Epidemiology

Answer 2

most common valvular disease

slight female predominance

Question 3

Associated diseases

Answer 3

connective tissue diseases (i.e. Marfans)

Question 4

Gross pathology

Answer 4

billowing, ballooing, floppy leaflets

sometimes chorae tendineae are elongated, attenuated, and vulnerable to rupture

Question 5

microscopic pathology

Answer 5

degeneration and attenuation of outer zona fibrosa of the valve and expansion of the inner zona spongiosa w/ myxomatous tissue
(resembling mucus microscopically)

Question 6

symptoms

Answer 6

usually asymptomatic!!

chest pain
palpitations due to associated arrhythmias

Question 7

Signs

Answer 7

midsystolic click

late systolic murmur

Question 8

Diagnosis

Answer 8

physical examination

echocardiography confirms

Question 9

complications

Answer 9

uncommon
MR (most common)
infection of the valve (endocarditis…rare)
atrial arrhythmias (rare)
ventricular arrhythmias (serious but very rare)