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Pathology

Damage to valve leading to regurgitant flow into Left atrium and increased Left Atrial and Ventricular pressures and reduction in cardiac output


Aetiology

Annulus: LV dilatation, mitral annular calcification, endocarditis
Leaflets: Congenital, Marfan’s Syndrome, endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease, 
collagen vascular disease
Chordae Tendineae: Trauma/tear, Marfan’s Syndrome, endocarditis, acute MI 
Papillary Muscles & LV: Ischaemia, infarction, rupture, aneurysm, HOCM

Signs

Hyperdynamic, displaced apex beat due to LVH, soft S1, pansystolic murmur radiating to axilla, 3rd heart sound, pulmonary oedema

Symptoms

Dyspnoea, fatigue, orthopnoea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea

Investigations

ECG: Right Atrial Enlargement (Peaked P Wave), Left Ventricular Hypertrophy 
Chest X-Ray: Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Right Atrial Enlargement, 
Pulmonary Hypertension
Echo: Assess for leaflet abnormalities, severity of regurgitation, LV function 
Cardiac catheterisation

Treatment

Medical: Asymptomatic – serial echocardiograms to monitor progress
Symptomatic - reduce preload (diuretics) and reduce afterload (ACEI) 
Surgical: Mitral valve replacement.

Prognosis

Severe disease has a poor outlook
Heart failure, AF, Infective endocarditis

Key Facts

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Key Images

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Key References

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