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Published on: August 5, 2021
Congenital mitral valve lesions : Correlation between morphology and imaging
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, The Green Lane Paediatric and Congenital Service, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
Congenital mitral valve malformations are complex and lack specific classification. This study recommends a segmental echocardiographic approach for precise surgical management of these congenital heart defects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Congenital malformations of the mitral valve are complex, affecting multiple valve components.
- These defects can occur alone or with other congenital heart defects.
- Existing descriptive terms lack the specificity needed for surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current descriptions and classifications of congenitally malformed mitral valves.
- To correlate pathological, surgical, and echocardiographic findings.
- To propose a systematic segmental echocardiographic analysis for improved surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing classification systems and descriptive terms.
- Correlation of pathological, surgical, and echocardiographic data.
- Development of a segmental echocardiographic assessment strategy.
Main Results:
- Commonly used terms for mitral valve malformations are often imprecise.
- A segmental echocardiographic analysis provides a more detailed morphological assessment.
- This approach enhances communication between specialists.
Conclusions:
- Current classifications for congenital mitral valve malformations are inadequate.
- A systematic segmental echocardiographic evaluation is recommended.
- This method aids in precise communication and optimizes surgical management for congenital heart disease.
Abstract:
Congenital malformations of the mitral valve are often complex and affect multiple segments of the valve apparatus. They may occur in isolation or in association with other congenital heart defects. The majority of mitral valve malformations are not simply classified, and descriptive terms with historical significance (parachute, mitral, or arcade) often lack the specificity that cardiac surgeons demand as part of preoperative echocardiographic morphological assessment. This paper examines the strengths and limitations of commonly used descriptions and classification systems of congenitally malformed mitral valves. It correlates pathological, surgical, and echocardiographic findings. Finally, it makes recommendations for the systematic evaluation of the congenitally malformed mitral valve using segmental echocardiographic analysis to assist precise communication and optimal surgical management.
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