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Lack of association between dermal arches and mitral valve prolapse: relation to anxiety
Abstract:
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) has been reported to be associated with an increased frequency of dermal arches. To determine whether dermal arches are associated with MVP, 42 patients with echocardiographic (echo) MVP (probands) and 140 first-degree relatives in their families, including 48 with and 92 without MVP, were studied. Seventy-five, subjects with neither MVP nor blood relation to probands served as control subjects. Among the female probands, 6.9% had arches and among the males, 3.8% had arches. The proportion of arches was lower among female control subjects (4.0%) but higher among male control subjects (7.9%) (neither difference being significant [NS]). Among the relatives, 7.1% of the women with MPV and 4.6% of the women without MVP had arches (NS). Five percent of the men with MVP and 6.3% without MVP had arches (NS). No association existed between the occurrence of cardiovascular symptoms in patients and family members with MVP and presence of dermal arches, but a high proportion of probands with elevated trait anxiety without panic disorder had 4 or more dermal arches. These findings do not support a direct association of dermal arches with MVP.
Insights
This study found no direct association between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and dermal arches in families. While some correlations were observed, they were not statistically significant, suggesting no link between MVP and these skin features.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a cardiac condition.
- Previous reports suggested a potential link between MVP and dermal arches.
- The genetic or developmental basis for such associations requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and the presence of dermal arches.
- To determine if dermal arches are a significant marker for MVP within families.
Main Methods:
- A study cohort included 42 patients with echocardiographic MVP (probands) and 140 first-degree relatives.
- Control subjects (n=75) without MVP or familial relation were also included.
- Dermal arches and MVP status were assessed in all participants.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association was found between MVP and dermal arches in probands, relatives, or control groups.
- While some differences in arch prevalence were noted between sexes and groups, these did not reach significance.
- A correlation was observed between elevated trait anxiety and a higher number of dermal arches in MVP probands, but not panic disorder.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a direct association between mitral valve prolapse and the presence of dermal arches.
- Dermal arches are unlikely to be a reliable indicator for MVP.
- Further research may explore the anxiety-dermal arch connection in MVP patients.