[Hiatal hernia associated with mitral prolapse in childhood]

Authors examined 17 cases of hiatal hernia, out of which 13 proved to have mitral valve prolapse. The diagnosis was based on auscultation, ECG and echocardiographic examination. The incidence of mitral valve prolapse (76.5%) found in this study in considerably high. Up to now no such relationship has been reported in the literature. At the moment it could not be stated that similar aetiological factors may play any role in the developmental of both hiatal hernia and mitral valve prolapse. At the same time it can not be excluded either, that the hiatal hernia and mitral valve prolapse are not a part of a connective tissue disorder. Authors plan to follow up the patients.