Mitral valve prolapse: clinical features, laboratory abnormalities, complications, and prognosis

Mitral valve prolapse is being diagnosed with increasing frequency now that its characteristic clinical features, including auscultatory abnormalities, and echocardiographic manifestations have been identified. This article describes the valvular pathology, physical findings, and electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and angiographic features which may be observed in patients with mitral valve prolapse. Potential complications attributable to mitral valve prolapse are discussed and its prognosis is addressed. While mitral valve prolapse may be complicated by serious ventricular arrhythmias, sudden death, endocarditis, or sudden or progressive mitral regurgitation requiring valve replacement, it is frequently asymptomatic and is usually associated with a relatively benign prognosis.