Accessory mitral valve mimicking aortic valve endocarditis as a cause of cerebrovascular accident

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Congenital Malformations

Background:

• Accessory mitral valve (AMV) is a rare congenital cardiac malformation.
• AMV is often associated with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and endocarditis.
• Cerebellar infarcts are serious neurological events.

Observation:

• A patient with a diagnosed accessory mitral valve presented with a cerebellar infarct.
• The clinical presentation linked a rare cardiac anomaly to a neurological complication.
• Diagnostic workup confirmed the co-occurrence of AMV and cerebellar stroke.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a potential, albeit rare, association between accessory mitral valve and cerebrovascular events.
• Cerebellar infarct in this context may arise from embolic phenomena or altered hemodynamics related to the cardiac defect.
• Management strategies for AMV need to consider potential systemic complications.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac causes in patients with cryptogenic stroke, even in the presence of rare congenital anomalies.
• Early recognition and appropriate management of accessory mitral valve may prevent severe neurological sequelae.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking AMV to cerebrovascular complications and to optimize treatment protocols.