[Mitral valve prolapse associated with the aortic bicuspid valve. Discription of a clinical case]

Minerva Cardioangiol. 1997 Apr;45(4):181-4.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

In the literature, the mitral valve prolapse and bicuspid aorta have been widely discussed as isolated cases or in association with other congenital heart pathologies or systematic illnesses. Nevertheless, they have not been documented contemporarily in the same clinical case. The following case describes a healthy, young, asymptomatic athlete, who has a double valvular heart failure. The defect is occasionally evident during transthoracic echocardiographic examination. The role of echocardiography is stressed taking into consideration the natural lineage and unfavourable reciprocal effect on cardiac hemodynamics, omitting relative implications of familial pathologies. This method is suggested as the means of suitable evaluation for athletes. In fact, this is the best technique to reveral the most precocious modification of cardiac hemodynamic. Consequently, echocardiography allows us to guide and monitor the most appropriate therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Mitral Valve / physiopathology*
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse / diagnostic imaging
  • Mitral Valve Prolapse / physiopathology*