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Keratoconus and mitral valve prolapse
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqva, Israel. lichterh@netvision.net.il
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 14, 2000
Summary
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) patients show a higher prevalence of keratoconus, a corneal condition. Allergy prevalence was also significantly higher in MVP patients, suggesting a potential link.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common cardiac condition.
- Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder affecting corneal shape.
- The association between MVP and ocular conditions is an area of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of keratoconus in individuals diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
- To explore potential correlations between MVP and specific clinical findings like allergy and joint hypermobility.
Main Methods:
- Videokeratography was used to examine 72 eyes of 36 patients with MVP.
- A control group of 25 individuals was included for comparison.
- Participants underwent slit-lamp examinations and completed questionnaires on joint hypermobility, arthralgia, asthma, and allergies.
Main Results:
- Keratoconus was identified in 22.2% of MVP patients (8 eyes) compared to 4% in controls (1 eye).
- The MVP group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of conjunctival papillae (P =.015).
- A statistically significant difference in allergic reaction prevalence was observed between groups (P =.001).
Conclusions:
- A potential association exists between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and keratoconus.
- The study suggests that patients with MVP experiencing vision problems should be evaluated for keratoconus.
- Allergy appears to be more prevalent in individuals with MVP.