Prevalence and clinical outcome of mitral-valve prolapse

Hereditary disorders of connective tissue: a guide to the emerging differential diagnosis

PURPOSE

To create a practical desk reference for clinicians focused on the differential diagnosis of individuals presenting with features that suggest an inherited disorder of connective tissue.

METHODS

We searched the medical literature for distinct clinical entities that shared clinical features with Marfan syndrome and other classical inherited disorders of connective tissue.

RESULTS

Thirty-six distinct heritable disorders of connective tissue were identified that have overlapping features. These disorders were organized into two matrices according to clinical characteristics and according to causative genes.

CONCLUSIONS

A broad differential diagnosis is emerging for individuals presenting with features suggestive of altered connective tissue. Recent advances in molecular genetics have aided in the delineation of these disorders.

Focused Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Perioperative Period

Ultrasound applications in perioperative medicine have expanded enormously over the past decade. Transoesophageal echocardiography has been performed by anaesthetists during cardiac surgery for over 20 years. With the increasing availability of portable ultrasound systems, the use of ultrasound to assist in vascular cannulation and regional anaesthesia has been well described. Portable ultrasound systems come with a range of probes for different applications, including transthoracic echocardiography. While transthoracic echocardiography has traditionally been the domain of cardiologists, its use has been increasing in critical care, the emergency room and, recently, by anaesthetists in the perioperative period. Unlike formal cardiology-based transthoracic echocardiography, focused, goal-directed transthoracic echocardiography is often more appropriate in the perioperative period to address a particular question and can be performed in just a few minutes. Transthoracic echocardiography allows rapid, noninvasive, point-of-care assessment of ventricular function, valvular integrity, volume status and fluid responsiveness. It can help distinguish undifferentiated systolic murmurs preoperatively, give valuable information on the aetiology of unexplained hypotension and cardiovascular collapse and assess response to therapeutic interventions such as vasoactive drugs and volume resuscitation. Focused transthoracic echocardiography should include qualitative assessment of left and right ventricular function, an estimate of aortic valve gradient, right ventricular systolic pressure and intravascular volume status as minimum requirements. Transthoracic echocardiography is a valuable tool in the perioperative period and ideally the equipment and expertise should be available in all operating rooms.

Frequency of sleep apnea in adults with the Marfan syndrome

Obstructive and central sleep apneas are treatable disorders, which contribute to cardiovascular morbidity in older adults. Younger adults with Marfan syndrome may also be at risk for sleep apnea, but the relation between cardiovascular complications and sleep apnea is unknown. We used MiniScreen8 portable monitoring devices for polygraphy in 68 consecutive adults with Marfan syndrome (33 men, 35 women, 41 +/- 14 years old) to investigate frequency of sleep apnea and its relation to cardiovascular morbidity. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 6 to 15/hour in 14 subjects (mild sleep apnea, 21%), and AHI was >15/hour in 7 subjects (moderate or severe sleep apnea, 10%). Among established risk factors for sleep apnea, only older age (Spearman rho = 0.35, p = 0.004) and body mass index (rho = 0.26, p = 0.03) were associated with increased AHI. Of all cases of apnea, 12 +/- 27 were obstructive, 11 +/- 25 central, and 3 +/- 9 mixed. AHI was associated with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (rho = -0.33, p = 0.01), increased N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels (rho = 0.35, p = 0.004), enlarged descending aortic diameters (rho = 0.44, p = 0.001), atrial fibrillation (phi = 0.43, p = 0.002), and mitral valve surgery (phi = 0.34, p = 0.02). Of these, left ventricular ejection fraction, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, atrial fibrillation, and mitral valve surgery were associated with AHI independently of age and body mass index. We found similar associations with oxygen desaturation index. In conclusion, sleep apnea exhibits increased frequency in Marfan syndrome and is not predicted by classic risk factors. Obstructive and central sleep apneas may relate to cardiovascular disease variables.

Evaluation of chest pain in the pediatric patient

Chest pain is common in children seen in emergency departments, ambulatory clinics, and cardiology clinics. Although most children have a benign cause of their pain, some have serious and life-threatening conditions. The symptom must be carefully evaluated before reassurance and supportive care are offered. Because serious causes of chest pain are uncommon and not many prospective studies are available, it is difficult to develop evidence-based guidelines for evaluation. The clinician evaluating a child with chest pain should keep in mind the broad differential diagnosis and pursue further investigation when the history and physical examination suggest the possibility of serious causes.

Evaluation of ventricular arrhythmias in early clinical pharmacology trials and potential consequences for later development

This white paper, prepared by members of the Cardiac Safety Research Consortium, discusses several important issues regarding the evaluation of ventricular arrhythmias in early clinical pharmacology trials and their potential consequences for later clinical drug development. Ventricular arrhythmias are infrequent but potentially important medical events whose occurrence in early clinical pharmacology trials can dramatically increase safety concerns. Given the increasing concern with all potential safety signals and the resultant more extensive electrocardiographic monitoring of subjects participating in early phase trials, an important question must be addressed: Are relatively more frequent observations of ventricular arrhythmias related simply to more extensive monitoring, or are they genuinely related to the drug under development? The discussions in this paper provide current thinking and suggestions for addressing this question.

Left ventricular function and C-reactive protein levels in acute myocardial infarction

To examine left ventricular (LV) function in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and assess its relation to C-reactive protein (CRP) as a measure of the early inflammatory response. We measured the CRP levels early after AMI and correlated them with the early structural and functional cardiac alterations. From November 2002 to December 2007, we prospectively enrolled community subjects who had experienced an AMI, as defined by standardized criteria, measured the CRP level, and obtained an echocardiogram. The study consisted of 514 patients (mean age 67 +/- 15 years, 59% men). CRP was measured early after symptom onset (median 6.1 hours; twenty-fifth to seventy-fifth percentile 2.2 to 11.1). The median CRP level was 4.8 mg/L (twenty-fifth to seventy-fifth percentile 1.8 to 24). The echocardiograms were obtained at a median of 1 day after AMI. The wall motion score index, LV ejection fraction, and LV diameter were similar across the CRP tertiles (all p >0.05). Greater CRP levels were associated with the presence of moderate or severe diastolic dysfunction (p = 0.002) and moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (p <0.001). The association with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation was independent of the clinical characteristics and ST-segment elevation status. In conclusion, at the initial phase of AMI, CRP elevation was associated with the presence and severity of mitral regurgitation and diastolic dysfunction. This suggests that inflammation is related to the ventricular remodeling processes, independently of LV systolic function.

Fibrillin-1 gene intron 56 polymorphism in Turkish children with mitral valve prolapse

OBJECTIVE

Mitral valvar prolapse is the most common anomaly of the mitral valve apparatus throughout childhood. Fibrillin is one of the structural components of the elastin-associated microfibrils found in the mitral valve. A case-controlled study has performed to investigate the relationship between fibrillin 1 gene intron 56 polymorphism and risk of mitral valvar prolapse in Turkish children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 77 patients with mitral valvar prolapse diagnosed by clinical evaluation and echocardiography and 89 normal children of same age and sex were studied. The fibrillin-1 gene intron 56 polymorphism was identified by the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the distribution of fibrillin-1 gene intron 56 genotypes (p = 0.0001) and allelic frequency (p = 0.0001) between the cases and the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mitral valvar prolapse have higher frequencies of fibrillin-1 gene intron 56 GC genotypes. Healthy children have higher frequencies of fibrillin-1 gene intron 56 CC genotypes. We speculate that the higher frequency of fibrillin-1 gene intron 56 G-allele increases the risk of mitral valvar prolapse.

The underlying causes of chordae tendinae rupture: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The underlying causes of chordae tendinae rupture (CTR) and their frequencies vary. Different publications reached conflicting conclusions due to diverse definitions, different detection measures, and morbidity trends over time.

METHODS

Systematic literature review of unselected CTR series and underlying cause frequencies reanalysis.

RESULTS

Primary CTR overall rates before and since 1985 remain considerable (52.5% vs. 51.2%), yet median decreased (35% and 14%). Sub-acute endocarditis (SBE) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) were the most frequent causes before 1985 (54.4% and 42.1%, respectively); since 1985 SBE and RHD have dropped sharply to 37.4% and 24.8%, respectively. Since 1985, mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and myxomatous degeneration (MD) have caused 44.5% and 11.7%, respectively. All other causes were almost not evident.

CONCLUSIONS

"Primary CTR" remains significant. MD may be underestimated, as microscopic evaluation was not routinely performed. MD is probably the most frequent underlying cause given it is also the underlying cause of MVP. MVP may be overestimated due to detection criteria and misinterpretation of leaflet prolapse. SBE, frequently coexistent with other underlying causes, may be overestimated either due to detection bias or being a consequence rather than CTR cause. RHD is expected to further decline, following rheumatic fever. Previous significant underlying causes proved to be episodic if at all causative, e.g., blunt chest trauma, generalized connective tissue disorder, ischemic heart disease, and other heart and valvular diseases. CTR can occur in apparently healthy subjects having no atypical appearance and who may be unaware of carrying risk.

The burden of cardiovascular disease in the elderly: morbidity, mortality, and costs

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older Americans imposes a huge burden in mortality, morbidity, disability, functional decline, and health care costs. In light of the projected growth of the population of older adults over the next several decades, the societal burden attributable to CVD will continue to rise. There is thus an enormous opportunity to foster successful aging and to increase functional life years through expanded efforts aimed at CVD prevention. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology of CVD in older adults, including an assessment of the impact of CVD on mortality, morbidity, and health care costs.

Nonacute coronary syndrome anginal chest pain

Anginal chest pain is one of the most common complaints in the outpatient setting. While much of the focus has been on identifying obstructive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) as the cause of anginal chest pain, it is clear that microvascular coronary dysfunction (MCD) can also cause anginal chest pain as a manifestation of ischemic heart disease, and carries an increased cardiovascular risk. Epicardial coronary vasospasm, aortic stenosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, congenital coronary anomalies, mitral valve prolapse, and abnormal cardiac nociception can also present as angina of cardiac origin. For nonacute coronary syndrome (ACS) stable chest pain, exercise treadmill testing (ETT) remains the primary tool for diagnosis of ischemia and cardiac risk stratification; however, in certain subsets of patients, such as women, ETT has a lower sensitivity and specificity for identifying obstructive CAD. When combined with an imaging modality, such as nuclear perfusion or echocardiography testing, the sensitivity and specificity of stress testing for detection of obstructive CAD improves significantly. Advancements in stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging enables detection of perfusion abnormalities in a specific coronary artery territory, as well as subendocardial ischemia associated with MCD. Coronary computed tomography angiography enables visual assessment of obstructive CAD, albeit with a higher radiation dose. Invasive coronary angiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment of obstructive lesions that cause medically refractory stable angina. Furthermore, in patients with normal coronary angiograms, the addition of coronary reactivity testing can help diagnose endothelial-dependent and -independent microvascular dysfunction. Lifestyle modification and pharmacologic intervention remains the cornerstone of therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with stable angina. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of stable, non-ACS anginal chest pain.

Preoperative scallop-by-scallop assessment of mitral prolapse using 2D-transthoracic echocardiography

Background

This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of harmonic imaging 2D-transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE) segmental analysis compared to surgical findings, in degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods

Seventy-seven consecutive patients with severe degenerative MR were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative 2D-TTE with precise localization of prolapsing or flailing scallops/segments was performed. All patients underwent mitral valve surgical repair. Surgical reports (SR), including valve description, were used as references for comparisons. A postoperative control 2D-TTE was performed.

Results

Out of 462 scallops/segments studied, surgical inspection identified 102 prolapses or flails (22%), 92 of which had previously been detected by 2D-TTE (90.2% sensitivity, 100% specificity). Agreement between preoperative 2D-TTE segmental analysis and SR was 97.8% (k = 0.93; p < 0.0001). Sixty-nine out of 77 2D-TTE reports were completely concordant with SR (89.6% diagnostic accuracy). None of the 8 non-concordant 2D-TTE reports were in complete disagreement with SR. P2 scallop was always involved in posterior leaflet prolapse or flail and was described correctly by 2D-TTE in 68 out of 69 patients (98,7% agreement, k = 0,93; 98.5% sensitivity). The anterior leaflet was involved in 14 patients (18%); A2 segment was involved in all of those cases and was correctly detected by 2D-TTE in 13 (98,7% agreement, k = 0,95; 92,8% sensitivity). Antero-lateral and postero-medial para-commissural prolapse or flail had a lower prevalence (14% and 10% respectively), with 2D-TTE sensitivity respectively of 64% and 50%.

Conclusions

2D-TTE, performed by an experienced echo-lab, has very good diagnostic accuracy in localizing the scallops/segments involved in degenerative MR, particularly for the middle ones (P2-A2), which represent almost the totality of prolapses. More invasive, time consuming and expensive exams should be reserved to selected cases.

Electrocardiographic abnormalities in young athletes with mitral valve prolapse

BACKGROUND

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common primary valvular abnormality in a young population. In some individuals, MVP is silent or associated with palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization with or without ventricular arrhythmias.

HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of the clinical and electrocardiographic abnormalities in young athletes with silent MVP.

METHODS

A group of 10 children, who have been sport training intensively, with preparticipation silent MVP were examined for symptoms and/or ECG abnormalities. The diagnosis of MVP was made by echocardiography.

RESULTS

Three athletes were asymptomatic at initial presentation. The other 7 athletes presented with symptoms. The QTc intervals > 440 msec were recorded in 2 athletes (1 with syncope). Abnormal ECG repolarization was found in 7 athletes (4 athletes were symptomatic and 3 were asymptomatic). A large variety of T-waves was registered in athletes who presented with symptoms. In asymptomatic athletes, the tall and flat T-waves were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Young athletes with MVP are often predisposed to electrocardiographic abnormalities of ventricular repolarization, which requires annual cardiologic evaluation.

The migraine association with cardiac anomalies, cardiovascular disease, and stroke

Migraine is positively associated with cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders and with structural heart anomalies. Migraine is more prevalent among people with right-to-left shunt by means of patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defects, and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and among those with altered cardiac anatomy, such as mitral valve prolapse, atrial septal aneurysm, and congenital heart disease. Meanwhile, migraine increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Although several hypotheses exist, explanation for these associations is lacking. This article reviews data supporting the association of migraine with right-to-left shunt, structural heart anomalies, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic stroke.

Multiplanar reconstruction of three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography improves the presurgical assessment of mitral prolapse

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the value and accuracy of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) of three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiographic data sets in assessing mitral valve pathology in patients with surgical mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

METHODS

Sixty-four patients with surgical MVP and preoperative two-dimensional (2D) and 3D transthoracic echocardiography were analyzed. The descriptions obtained by 3D MPR and 2D were compared in the context of the surgical findings.

RESULTS

Two-dimensional echocardiography correctly identified the prolapsing leaflets in 32 of 64 patients and 3D MPR in 46 of 64 patients (P=.016). Among the 27 patients with complex pathology (ie, more than isolated middle scallop of the posterior leaflet prolapse), 3D MPR identified 20 correctly, as opposed to 6 with 2D imaging (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Interpretation of 3D transthoracic echocardiographic images with MPR improved the accuracy of the description of the MVP compared with 2D interpretation. This added value of 3D MPR was most important in extensive and/or commissural prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse in young healthy individuals. An early index of autoimmunity?

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a benign valvular abnormality. However, an increased prevalence of MVP is reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid disease. Our aim was to evaluate whether the presence of MVP in healthy individuals might indicate a premature index of subclinical autoimmune disorder. A total of 75 individuals with MVP and 44 individuals without MVP were identified by echocardiography. Serum samples were examined for various organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies. In all, 35 of the 75 individuals with MVP had at least one autoantibody. ANA were detected in 17/75 in MVP(+) versus 1/44 in the MVP(-), (P < 0.05), and anti-ENA in 6/75 in the MVP(+) versus 0/44 in the control group, P = ns. In the MVP(+) group, thyroid autoantibodies, IgA and IgG RF were found at a statistically significant higher incidence, 16/75, 11/75 and 10/75 versus 1/44, 0/44 and 0/44 in the MVP(-)group, respectively (P < 0.05). The levels of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were significantly higher in the MVP(+) group, P < 0.05. The presence of organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies in young healthy MVP(+) individuals insinuate the presence of subclinical autoimmunity and might suggest that autoimmune mechanisms might be involved in its pathogenesis. A follow-up of these individuals might elucidate whether MVP constitutes an early index of autoimmunity.

The spectrum of syndromes and manifestations in individuals screened for suspected Marfan syndrome

The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) is based on evaluating a large number of clinical criteria. We have observed that many persons presenting in specialized centers for "Marfan-like" features do not have MFS, but exhibit a large spectrum of other syndromes. The spectrum of these syndromes and the distribution of "Marfan-like" features remain to be characterized. Thus, we prospectively evaluated 279 consecutive patients with suspected MFS (144 men and 135 women at a mean age of 34+/-13 years) for presence of 27 clinical criteria considered characteristic of MFS. The most frequent reasons to refer individuals for suspected MFS were skeletal features (31%), a family history of MFS, or aortic complications (29%), aortic dissection or aneurysm (19%), and eye manifestations (9%). Using established criteria, we confirmed MFS in 138 individuals (group 1) and diagnosed other connective tissue diseases, both with vascular involvement in 30 (group 2) and without vascular involvement in 39 (group 3), and excluded any distinct disease in 72 individuals (group 4). Clinical manifestations of MFS were present in all four patient groups and there was no single clinical criterion that exhibited positive and negative likelihood ratios that were per se sufficient to confirm or rule out MFS. We conclude that "Marfan-like" features are not exclusively indicative of MFS but also of numerous, alternative inherited diseases with many of them carrying a hitherto poorly defined cardiovascular risk. These alternative diseases require future study to characterize their responses to therapy and long-term prognosis.

Mitral valve prolapse in Marfan syndrome: an old topic revisited

BACKGROUND

The echocardiographic features of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in Marfan syndrome have been well described, and the incidence of MVP in Marfan syndrome is reported to be 40-80%. However, most of the original research was performed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the diagnostic criteria for MVP were less specific. Our goal was to investigate the characteristics of MVP associated with Marfan syndrome using currently accepted diagnostic criteria for MVP.

METHODS

Between January 1990 and March 2004, 90 patients with definitive diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (based on standardized criteria with or without genetic testing) were referred to Massachusetts General Hospital for transthoracic echocardiography. Patients' gender, age, weight, height, and body surface area at initial examination were recorded. Mitral valve thickness and motion, the degree of mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation, and aortic dimensions were quantified blinded to patients' clinical information.

RESULTS

There were 25 patients (28%) with MVP, among whom 80% had symmetrical bileaflet MVP. Patients with MVP had thicker mitral leaflets (5.0 +/- 1.0 mm vs. 1.8 +/- 0.5 mm, P < 0.001), more mitral regurgitation (using a scale of 1-4, 2.2 +/- 1.0 vs. 0.90 +/- 0.60, P < 0.0001), larger LVEDD, and larger dimensions of sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, aortic arch, and descending aorta indexed to square root body surface area, when compared with those without MVP. When echocardiographic features of patients younger than 18 years of age and those of patients older than 18 were compared, adult Marfan patients had larger LA dimension (indexed to square root body surface area), larger sinotubular junction (indexed to square root body surface area), and more mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of MVP in Marfan syndrome is lower than previously reported. The large majority of patients with MVP have bileaflet involvement, and those with MVP have significantly larger aortic root diameters, suggesting a diffuse disease process.

Feasibility of myxomatous mitral valve repair using direct leaflet and chordal radiofrequency ablation

OBJECTIVE

Minimally invasive repair of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) causing severe mitral regurgitation (MR) should reduce MR and have chronic durability. Our ex vivo, acute in vivo, and chronic in vivo studies suggest that direct application of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to mitral leaflets and chordae can effect these repair goals to decrease MR.

METHODS

A total of seven canines were studied to assess the effects of RFA on mitral valve structure and function. RFA was applied ex vivo (n = 1), acutely in vivo using a right lateral thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 3), and chronically in vivo using percutaneous access to the heart (n = 3). RFA was applied to the mitral valve and its associated chordae. Mitral valve structure and function (in vivo preparations) were then assessed.

RESULTS

Ex vivo application of RFA resulted in qualitative reduction in mitral leaflet surface area and chordal length. Acute in vivo application of RFA to canines found to have MVP causing severe MR demonstrated a 43.7-60.7% statistically significant (P = 0.039) reduction in postablation MR. Chronic, in vivo, percutaneous application of RFA was found to be feasible and the engendered alterations durable.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that myxomatous mitral valve repair using radiofrequency energy delivered via catheter is feasible.

Angiotensinogen M235T associated with mitral valve prolapse in young Han Chinese male

BACKGROUND

A potential role for the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in mitral valve prolapse (MVP) has been reported. The RAS genes are good candidates for evaluating the association with MVP. The angiotensinogen (AGT) gene has an important role in RAS and was shown to be related to MVP. However, no study on the association of AGT M235T in men with MVP has been reported. In this article, we investigated the potential role of AGT M235T polymorphism in men with MVP.

METHODS

Seventy-one unrelated study subjects with MVP, 236 control subjects (matched with respect to age and sex), and 178 community subjects from southern Taiwan were included in this study. All participants were male Han Chinese population. All cases fulfilled the criteria of MVP and the new echocardiographic criteria for MVP. The AGT M235T polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the M235 allelic frequency between MVP study subjects and control subjects (chi = 4.390; P = 0.036). The chi test for trend also showed that the MM genotype frequency had a statistically significant increase with MVP study subjects (chi = 4.339; P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest a significant association between MM genotype of AGT M235T polymorphism and MVP in men. Therefore, this study indirectly supports the idea that the polymorphism of AGT M235T should be considered when interpreting and designing genetic studies which underlie differences in blood pressure.

Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial disease: prospective study of a distinct preexisting syndrome

RATIONALE

Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (PNTM) disease is increasing, but predisposing features have been elusive.

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively determine the morphotype, immunophenotype, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator genotype in a large cohort with PNTM.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 63 patients with PNTM infection, each of whom had computerized tomography, echocardiogram, pulmonary function, and flow cytometry of peripheral blood. In vitro cytokine production in response to mitogen, LPS, and cytokines was performed. Anthropometric measurements were compared with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) age- and ethnicity-matched female control subjects extracted from the NHANES 2001-2002 dataset.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients were 59.9 (+/-9.8 yr [SD]) old, and 5.4 (+/-7.9 yr) from diagnosis to enrollment. Patients were 95% female, 91% white, and 68% lifetime nonsmokers. A total of 46 were infected with Mycobacterium avium complex, M. xenopi, or M. kansasii; 17 were infected with rapidly growing mycobacteria. Female patients were significantly taller (164.7 vs. 161.0 cm; P < 0.001) and thinner (body mass index, 21.1 vs. 28.2; P < 0.001) than matched NHANES control subjects, and thinner (body mass index, 21.1 vs. 26.8; P = 0.002) than patients with disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. A total of 51% of patients had scoliosis, 11% pectus excavatum, and 9% mitral valve prolapse, all significantly more than reference populations. Stimulated cytokine production was similar to that of healthy control subjects, including the IFN-gamma/IL-12 pathway. CD4(+), CD8(+), B, and natural killer cell numbers were normal. A total of 36% of patients had mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PNTM infection are taller and leaner than control subjects, with high rates of scoliosis, pectus excavatum, mitral valve prolapse, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutations, but without recognized immune defects.

Prevalence of mitral valvar prolapse in young athletes

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of mitral valvar prolapse has been reported to be between 0.6 and 21%. The goal of our study was to evaluate its prevalence in young athletes who underwent hand-held echocardiography as a screening mostly in southern California.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1742 echocardiograms that were performed as a part of a cardiac screening of teenage athletes. The total prevalence of mitral valvar prolapse was calculated and stratified based on gender.

RESULTS

We screened a total of 1172 male and 570 female high school athletes. The echocardiographic prevalence of mitral valvar prolapse was 0.9%. The prevalence was similar in both genders, at 1.2% in male and 0.7% in female athletes.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of mitral valvar prolapse in young athletes mostly in southern California was found to be less than 1%, and was similar in both genders.

[Postoperative acute mitral regurgitation. Unexpected finding after minor non-cardiac surgery]

This report describes the case of a 59-year-old man who was scheduled for general anesthesia with propofol, sufentanil and sevoflurane for removal of a metal implant. The patient was classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II status because of an asymptomatic mitral valve prolapse and medically treated arterial hypertension. During induction of narcosis a pulsoxymetrically measured inadequate increase in oxygen saturation after preoxygenation was noticed and a moderate respiratory obstruction occurred intraoperatively, but anesthesia was uneventfully completed and the patient was extubated. However, 3 h later the patient developed severe dyspnea, hypoxia, tachycardia and arterial hypotension. Physical examination revealed a new grade 4/6 systolic murmur radiating to the axilla and X-ray showed bilateral pulmonary edema. Neither electrocardiographic nor biochemical manifestations of acute myocardial infarction were identified but transthoracic echocardiography revealed fluttering of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve with grade III regurgitation and dilation of the left atrium. Coronary angiography was normal and left ventriculography confirmed severe mitral regurgitation. Mitral valve repair was successfully performed 22 h after presentation of symptoms. Mitral regurgitation is a common finding on echocardiography, seen to some degree in over 75% of the population. The etiology of mitral valve insufficiency which can be caused by pathologic changes of one or more of the components of the mitral valve, including the leaflets, annulus, chordae tendineae, papillary muscles, or by abnormalities of the surrounding left ventricle and/or atrium are discussed. Rupture of mitral chordae tendineae is infrequent and causes acute hemodynamic deterioration and needs corrective surgery. Valve replacement should be performed only if mitral valve repair is not possible. Echocardiography is an invaluable tool in determining the severity of regurgitation, the integrity of the mitral valve apparatus, the extent of left ventricular enlargement, and the ejection fraction. Acute mitral valve regurgitation caused by a rupture of chordae tendineae should be considered in the differential diagnosis of perioperative acute pulmonary edema.

One-stage correction of aortic coarctation and severe mitral regurgitation via left posteriolateral thoracotomy in a 2-year-old child

We successfully treated a case of a 2-year-old male with aortic coarctation coexisting with severe mitral regurgitation via left posteriolateral thoracotomy at one stage. After a mitral valve replacement under perfused ventricular fibrillation with moderate hypothermia, we repaired the aortic coarctation with coarctation resection and end-to-end anastamosis with the aid of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective low-flow cerebral perfusion. The patient had an uneventful hospital course and remains well.