Mitral Valve Sclerosis Question

[kristinMC]

I have recently been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Sclerosis, thickening of the mitral valve with MVP.  A year and a half ago, I was diagnosed with only MVP and regurgitation, both through ECG.  My questions is what is MV Sclerosis?  What follow-up is recommended?  Should I get a second opinion?  Additionally, this is a short amount of time to develope such thickening (2cm). Does this mean it is progressive since it wasn't there before?  

I never had rheumatic fever, but doctors suspect lupus or another collagen disease because of high ANA's and multiple lupus symptoms.  I appreciate your response.  Thank you - Kristin

[Cleveland Clinic]

Mitral valve sclerosis means that there is evidence of calcium buildup on the valve.  It may be related to undiagnosed rheumatic heart disease or to any other condition that would make the valve structurally abnormal, MVP being one of them.  This disease is typically progressive and there is a chance that you may need further treatment for it including surgery if necessary.  Depending on your symptoms, you should probably have another echo done in about 12 months to further assess it.  The things to look for is whether there is any evidence of mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation.  Mitral stenosis is when the valve becomes so calcified and restricted that it affects the way the heart performs.  Mitral regurgitation is when the valve is leaky causing some of the blood to return to the left atrium.  Both of these conditions are typically progressive and require futher echocardiographic follow up and close attention to any symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness.  Lupus valvular disease is very rare and I would bet that it's most likely rheumatic heart disease or MVP with calcification of the valve that caused this.

[Don271]

A related discussion, Blue Extremities was started.

[kristinMC]

Thank you, I appreciate your consideration in answering my questions.  Best wishes - Kristin

[Cleveland Clinic]

Not for the white spots but for better blood pressure control you should probably see a cardiologist.  The calcifications are caused by chronic injury to the valve from increased or accelerated blood flow.  The cardiologist should be able to distinguish MVP from rheumatic heart disease.

[kristinMC]

Thank you for your response.  Is there a way to distinguish between the rheumatic heart disease or the MVP with calcification?  How does the MVP cause calcification?  I also had white spots on the myocardium that showed up on the ECG that they did not address.  I presume also calcification.  I am very symptomatic and having great difficulty keeping my BP down even with 50 mg of Atenolol.  Would you recommend that I see a cardiologist to review this matter?