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[Ophthalmologic complications in mitral valve prolapse].
1Abteilung für Pathophysiologie des Sehens und Neuroophthalmologie, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Tübingen, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
Fortschritte Der Ophthalmologie : Zeitschrift Der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Mitral valve prolapse can cause serious eye conditions like amaurosis fugax and ischemic optic neuropathy. Early aspirin treatment may prevent recurrence in patients with persistent symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is typically benign.
- However, MVP has been linked to ischemic cerebrovascular and ophthalmic events.
- This study investigates MVP as a potential risk factor in patients with unexplained ischemic ophthalmic diseases.
Observation:
- Seven patients with ischemic ophthalmic conditions and no other risk factors were identified.
- Patient ages ranged from 18 to 61 years.
- Presenting symptoms included monocular amaurosis fugax, transient homonymous visual field defects, skew deviation due to a brainstem lesion, and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
Findings:
- All patients except one with ischemic optic neuropathy experienced complete recovery.
- Mitral valve prolapse was the sole identified risk factor in these cases.
- The diverse ophthalmic manifestations highlight MVP's potential embolic or hemodynamic impact.
Implications:
- Mitral valve prolapse should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ischemic ophthalmic events, particularly in younger individuals without traditional risk factors.
- Secondary prophylaxis with low-dose aspirin is recommended for patients experiencing persistent symptoms (>24 hours) to prevent recurrent events.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking MVP to ischemic insults.