Mitral Regurgitation

Definition

Mitral regurgitation is the backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole due to mitral valve abnormalities.

Etiology
  • Mitral valve prolapse
  • Infectious endocarditis
  • Rheumatic heart disease
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Ischaemic heart disease
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Left ventricle systolic dysfunction
  • Hypertension
  • Mitral stenosis
Clinical Features
  • Can be asymptomatic at early stages
  • Dyspnoea
  • Orthopnoea
  • Palpitation
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced exercise tolerance
  • Peripheral oedema
Investigations
  • Echocardiogram
  • Cardiac MRI
  • ECG
  • Exercise stress test
Management
  • Mitral valve repair
  • Mitral valve replacement
  • Vasodilators
  • Beta-adrenergic blockers
  • ACE inhibitors
Author