[Mitral valve prolapse in children]

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is an abnormal movement of one or two of mitral leaflets into the left atrium during ventricular systole. Etiopathogenesis is still not fully understood. Clinical presentation of MVP could be asymptomatic. Chest pain, palpitation and syncope are typical for mitral valve prolapse syndrome. On physical examination most patients have midsystolic click and/or systolic murmur which is often misdiagnosed as an innocent murmur. Arrhythmia and mitral regurgitation are the most often seen complications of MVP and their number increases with patients age. Most children with MVP do not need any treatment. In those with mitral regurgitation prophylaxis against endocarditis is obligatory. The use of echocardiography increased the number of patients with diagnosed mitral valve prolapse diagnosed.