Mitral valve billowing and prolapse--an overview.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pathology
• Echocardiography

Background:

• The origin of nonejection systolic clicks and late systolic murmurs is the mitral valve.
• A specific syndrome is linked to primary degenerative mitral valve lesions.
• Confusion persists regarding the term 'prolapse' for mitral valve anomalies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the distinction between normal mitral valve variants and pathological prolapse.
• To define the progression of mitral valve prolapse and its complications.
• To outline management strategies for mitral valve prolapse symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Echocardiography for evaluating mitral valve morphology.
• Morphological and histological examination of mitral valve tissue.
• Clinical assessment of patients with mitral valve prolapse.

Main Results:

• A spectrum exists from normal mitral leaflet billowing to advanced prolapse.
• True prolapse occurs with leaflet edge apposition failure, leading to mitral regurgitation.
• Complications include systemic emboli, infective endocarditis, arrhythmias, and autonomic dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• Distinguishing normal variants from pathological mitral valve prolapse is challenging.
• Mitral valve prolapse can progress to severe regurgitation and associated complications.
• Rheumatic anterior leaflet prolapse remains prevalent in certain regions.