Thoracic skeletal abnormalities in idiopathic mitral valve prolapse

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common cardiac condition.
• Many MVP cases present with subtle clinical signs.
• Thoracic skeletal abnormalities have been recently associated with MVP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of thoracic skeletal abnormalities in patients with idiopathic MVP.
• To assess if skeletal deformities can serve as clinical indicators for MVP.
• To explore the potential association between MVP, skeletal abnormalities, and Marfan syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Clinical and radiographic evaluation of skeletal deformities.
• Clinical diagnosis of MVP, confirmed by echocardiography and left ventricular angiography in select cases.
• Assessment of 24 patients with confirmed idiopathic MVP.

Main Results:

• 75% of patients (18 out of 24) exhibited definite thoracic skeletal deformities.
• Pectus excavatum was observed in 62% of patients.
• "Straight back" syndrome occurred in 17% and severe scoliosis in 8%.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between idiopathic MVP and thoracic skeletal abnormalities.
• These skeletal findings may indicate a forme fruste of Marfan syndrome.
• Patients with pectus excavatum or "straight back" should be evaluated for MVP, especially if murmurs are present.