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Predisposing factors for severe mitral regurgitation in idiopathic mitral valve prolapse

N Fukuda1, T Oki, A Iuchi

  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Tokushima, Japan.

Insights

Idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) can lead to severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Key risk factors for severe MR include older age, male sex, posterior leaflet prolapse, and thickened mitral valves, particularly in patients with holosystolic murmurs.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Valvular Heart Disease
  • Echocardiography

Background:

  • Idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common valvular heart condition.
  • Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is a potential complication of MVP.
  • Identifying predisposing factors for severe MR in MVP is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate predisposing factors for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

Main Methods:

  • 124 MVP patients were classified into isolated clicks, late-systolic murmur (late-SM), and holosystolic murmur (holo-SM) groups.
  • Clinical and echocardiographic findings were compared with a group of patients with spontaneous chordal rupture.
  • Follow-up studies were performed for a mean of 4.5 years.

Main Results:

  • Older age, male sex, posterior leaflet prolapse, and thickened mitral valve were more prevalent in patients who developed severe MR or chordal rupture.
  • The incidence of thickened mitral valve increased progressively from the click group to the rupture group.
  • Six patients in the holo-SM group developed chordal rupture with severe MR; no complications occurred in the click or late-SM groups.

Conclusions:

  • Aging, male sex, posterior leaflet prolapse, thickened mitral valve, and holosystolic murmur are significant predisposing factors for severe MR in idiopathic MVP.
  • Early identification of these factors can aid in risk stratification and monitoring of MVP patients.

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