MITRAL VALVE DISEASE IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS
MITRAL VALVE DISEASE IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Summary/Abstract: Mitral valve / MV / is a functional complex that is based on the normal morphology, geometrical relations and function of all constituents. Its role is triple: 1. regulate blood flow to the LV during diastole with low pressure gradient, preventing the recurrence of systolic blood flow in LA, 2. contribute to the formation of LV outflow tract in systole and 3. its integrity is essential for maintenance of a normal size and geometry function of LV. The disease of heart valves, mitral and aortic caused by degenerative changes, is quite common in adults. In a young person, the more common causes are: inflammatory diseases, cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease. Using color Doppler echocardiography, the morphological valve changes and damage to its function can be diagnosed. The goal of treatment is: to reduce or eliminate symptoms of disease, to avoid damage to LV function or right ventricle, improving the quality of patient’s life, prevention of complications and mortality reduction. Treatment options for valvular heart disease are: medical therapy, balloon valvuloplasty and surgical therapy: valve replacement or valve reconstruction. In children there are predominantly acquired valvular heart diseases of rheumatic etiology. Mitral stenosis is rare, more common is mitral regurgitation /MR/. Treatment of MR involves: SBE prophylaxis, afterload reducing agents, diuretics and digoxin. Surgical correction prefers reconstruction over MV replacement. Asymptomatic patients with MV prolapse do not require treatment, and symptomatic patients need beta blocker agents. Reconstructive surgery or MV replacement is indicated in rare patients with severe MR.

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