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Updated: Sep 27, 2026

An Image Guided Transapical Mitral Valve Leaflet Puncture Model of Controlled Volume Overload from Mitral Regurgitation in the Rat
Published on: May 19, 2020
[When should mitral valve prolapse be considered a real disease?]
1Service de cardiologie, CHU Dupuytren, 2, avenue Martin-Luther-King, 87042 Limoges, France.
Abstract:
Mitral valve prolapse should be considered as a disease when superior displacement of the mitral leaflets during systole is more than 2 mm with a maximal leaflet thickness of at least 5 mm. Using these criteria, the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse is 1.3% in the general population, nearly the same in men and women. Serious complications may occur during follow-up with a 1 to 3% patient-year risk. The most important complication is mitral regurgitation, mainly due to rupture of the chordae tendineae, which must be quickly corrected by surgical repair. Second is infective endocarditis, a complication which may occur particularly in men older than 45 years of age with systolic murmur. Arrhythmias are not infrequent but ischemic neurologic events are unusual, especially in young patients. Cases of sudden death have occasionally been reported.
Insights
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects 1.3% of the population. Key complications include mitral regurgitation and infective endocarditis, requiring prompt medical attention for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Valvular Heart Disease
Context:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is defined by specific echocardiographic criteria.
- Understanding MVP prevalence and associated risks is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose:
- To define diagnostic criteria for mitral valve prolapse.
- To report the prevalence of MVP in the general population.
- To outline potential complications and their associated risks.
Summary:
- MVP is diagnosed when mitral leaflets displace >2mm superiorly with leaflet thickness ≥5mm.
- Prevalence is 1.3% in the general population, with equal distribution between sexes.
- Complications include mitral regurgitation (requiring surgical repair), infective endocarditis (higher risk in older men with murmurs), arrhythmias, and rare neurologic events or sudden death.
Impact:
- Establishes clear diagnostic criteria for MVP.
- Highlights the significant risk of complications, guiding proactive patient monitoring and intervention.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the management of MVP patients, particularly concerning surgical repair and endocarditis prophylaxis.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
