[Mitral valve prolapse and cerebral ischemia].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Cerebral ischemic episodes can occur in young adults.
• Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common cardiac condition.
• The link between MVP and cerebral ischemia requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and significance of mitral valve prolapse in young patients experiencing cerebral ischemic events.
• To explore potential etiologic factors associated with MVP in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Case series of 10 patients with cerebral ischemia and diagnosed mitral valve prolapse.
• Neurologic assessment including computerized tomography and angiographic studies.
• Diagnostic confirmation of MVP via clinical evaluation, electrocardiography, Doppler study, Holter monitoring, and two-dimensional echocardiography.

Main Results:

• Mitral valve prolapse was diagnosed in all 10 patients presenting with cerebral ischemia.
• One patient exhibited intracranial vasculitis on angiographic study.
• One patient was concurrently using oral contraceptive pills.

Conclusions:

• Mitral valve prolapse should be considered a potential etiologic factor in young adults with cerebral ischemia.
• The presence of MVP does not preclude other underlying etiopathogenic conditions contributing to cerebral ischemia.