Thirteen B Flashcards
Describe the pathophysiology of rheumatic fever.
Initial infection with group A ͆-hemolytic streptococcus
causes pharyngitis
Exaggerated immune response
Acute rheumatic fever develops 2-4 weeks after initial
infection
Rheumatic heart valve involvement can take 10-30 years to develop
Repeated episodes of acute rheumatic fever leads to more severe valvular disease
Mitral valve is always affected first
Extremely rare to see aortic/pulmonic/tricuspid involvement
without mitral involvement
Mitral > Aortic»_space; Tricuspid > Pulmonic
When do patients become symptomatic with mitral valve stenosis? What are some etiologies?
Obstruction of normal mitral inflow during diastole
Abnormal pressure gradient between the left atrium and left ventricle
The normal mitral valve orifice area is between 4-6 cm2
Patients typically become symptomatic when the mitral vale orifice area is less than 2 cm2
Rheumatic heart disease
Up to 40% of patients with a history of acute rheumatic fever develop mitral stenosis
Age-related mitral annular calcification
Mitral calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease
Congenital mitral stenosis
Carcinoid syndrome
Describe the pathophysiology of mitral valve stenosis.
Obstruction to left ventricular filling
Chronic elevation in left atrial pressure
Left atrial enlargement
Ortner Syndrome (recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy)
Pulmonary venous hypertension
Pulmonary venous hypertension results from chronic elevation in left atrial pressure
Atrial fibrillation
Left atrial enlargement leads to atrial fibrillation
Higher risk of forming left atrial thrombi
Pulmonary arterial hypertension
Ultimately, changes in pulmonary arterial vasculature can lead to ᾿reactive῀ pulmonary arterial hypertension
Long-standing pulmonary hypertension affects right
ventricular function
Right side of the heart was not designed to handle high
pressures
Right ventricular hypertrophy, dilation and failure
Decreased cardiac output
Results from decreased blood flowing into the left ventricle
What are the symptoms of mitral valve stenosis?
Exertional dyspnea
Exercise intolerance
Signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure
Palpitations (if there is atrial fibrillation)
Mitral Facies
Seen only in severe mitral stenosis
Mild cyanosis of the lips, cheeks, and malar prominences
Caused by chronic hypoxemia and low cardiac output
Ortner Syndrome Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
Hemoptysis
Bronchiolar vein rupture
What physical exam and test findings occur in mitral valve stenosis?
Low-pitched diastolic murmur
Best heard with the bell of the stethoscope at the cardiac apex
Intensity of murmur increases with MS severity
Timing of OS also correlates with disease severity
Loud P2 component if there is significant
pulmonary hypertension
Signs of congestive heart failure
Elevated JVP
Pulmonary rales
Lower extremity edema
ECG may show: Left atrial enlargement (᾿P mitrale῀) Atrial fibrillation Right atrial enlargement Right ventricular hypertrophy
Chest x-ray may show: Left atrial enlargement Pulmonary vascular congestion Pulmonary arterial dilation Right ventricular dilation
How is rheumatic mitral stenosis diagnosed?
Echocardiography is the mainstay of diagnosis
Typical findings from rheumatic mitral stenosis include:
Calcified mitral valve with diastolic ᾿doming῀
Left atrial enlargement
Varying degrees of pulmonary hypertension
How is MVS treated?
Medical therapy (non-surgical) is limited
Patients develop profound dyspnea and pulmonary edema, particularly when tachycardic
Beta-blockers, non-DHP calcium channel blockers
Loop diuretics
Surgical and percutaneous options are available
Open surgical replacement versus percutaneous balloon
mitral valvuloplasty
Describe some examples of how mitral regurgitation is caused?
Rheumatic mitral valve
Typically causes mitral stenosis
Shortening of the chordae tendinae and commissural fusion can cause mitral regurgitation
\+ Mitral Valve Prolapse AKA ᾿Floppy mitral valve syndrome῀ Most common cause of isolated MR FeMale > male Association with connective tissue diseases (marfans
Infective endocarditis
Vegetations can damage the surface of the valves
Leaflet perforation
Congenital (cleft mitral valve)
\+ Defective Tensor Apparatus Rupture of chordae tendinae Papillary muscle dysfunction Ruptured papillary muscle (associated with acute myocardial infarction)
+ Abnormal LA and LV
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Alterations in ventricular geometry alter mitral annular geometry
Describe the pathophys of the two different kinds of MR?
Acute MR
Minimally compliant left atrium experiences sudden rise in pressure
Rapid development of pulmonary edema
Chronic MR
Left atrium more compliant
LA and LV dilate
Ultimately leads to LV dysfunction
What are the symptoms and presentation of the two kinds of MR?
Acute MR
Symptoms reflect the more acute rise in left atrial pressure
Sudden onset of dyspnea
Chronic MR Symptoms develop slowly over time Exertional dyspnea CHF symptoms Atrial fibrillation can cause palpitations
What findings are found in the physical exam for MR? Diagnostic Exam findings?
Holosystolic murmur
Typically loudest at the apex
Radiates to axilla
In acute settings, an S3 can be heard
Distinguishing acute from chronic MR (by physical
examination) can be tough
ECG will show non-specific findings
Evidence of left atrial enlargement
Q waves consistent with prior myocardial infarction
CXR can show pulmonary edema and left atrial enlargement
Echocardiogram can assess severity and etiology of disease
How is MR treated?
Medical management limited
5-year survival of unrepaired severe MR is 30-45%
Diuretics for symptomatic relief
Afterload reducing agents
Surgical repair/replacement
Percutaneous options also available
What are some etiologies of aortic stenosis?
Age-related calcific degeneration
Similar risk factors with atherosclerotic vascular disease
Congenital aortic stenosis
Bicuspid aortic valve
Rheumatic aortic stenosis
Seen in conjunction with rheumatic mitral disease
Describe the pathophys of stenosis.
Progressive disease
Increasing obstruction to left ventricular outflow
Creates an abnormally elevated systolic pressure
gradient between the left ventricle and aorta
Pathologic left ventricular hypertrophy leads to impaired
diastolic relaxation of the left ventricle
Cardiac output becomes heavily dependent upon atrial
contraction to adequately fill the left ventricle during diastole
Patients who develop atrial fibrillation (loss of atrial
contraction) can become dyspneic and hypotensive
Elevation of left ventricular pressure leads to elevated left atrial pressure
Ultimately leads to pulmonary edema
What are the symptoms and presentation of aortic stenosis?
Angina due to increased myocardial oxygen demand
Supply/demand mismatch
Dyspnea (congestive heart failure) due to pulmonary edema
Syncope due to reduced cardiac output and reduced cerebral perfusion