Cardiology Letters 2023, 32(3):201-207

Arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse

Plachý L

I. kardiologická klinika UPJŠ LF a VÚSCH, a. s., Košice, Slovenská republika

Mitral valve prolapse is the most common valve defect. Its incidence in the general population is 2-3%. In the absence of more severe mitral regurgitation with its negative consequences on the left ventricle, the finding of mitral valve prolapse has been considered benign. New data challenge this view and suggest that mitral valve prolapse is associated with a several times higher incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD). It is necessary to identify high-risk patients by integrating the results of several diagnostic tools (transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography including three-dimensional methods, 12-lead electrocardiogram, Holter electrocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac computed tomography, electrophysiological study and others) and parameters (mitral annular disjunction, systolic curling, Pickelhaube sign, presence, localization and extent of left ventricular fibrosis, ventricular extrasystoles). Accounting for the age of the patient, it is then necessary to determine the most suitable method for prevention of SCD.

Keywords: primary mitral regurgitation; sudden cardiac death; ICD; negative T waves; mitral annular disjunction; Pickelhaube sign

Published: March 1, 2023  Show citation