echo result.

I'd an echo recently and found with MVP for both AML(anterior) and PML(posterior) and MR mild - moderate (doppler). Everything in the echo is in normal range except for LVEF 81% which is outside normal range of 53-77%. My cardiologist advise me to have an echo again every 2 years and an antibiotic praphylaxis as needed. He said that the LV EF is okay. Is it usual to have MVP for both aml and pml? Will I need to repair the valves in the near future? Do you have any advise to add? Thank you.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

Rian,

Thanks for the questions.

(1) MVP is a disorder of the connective tissue of the mitral valve, and thus is frequently seen to involve both the anterior and posterior leaflets.

(2) Close follow-up is the only way to know if you will need surgery.  If your EF remains normal-high and the mitral regurgitation remains the same, then it is quite possible that you will not need surgery.  Having regular follow-up, as your doctor recommended, is the key.  It should be reassuring to you that he/she didn't think that you needed another echo for 2 years.

I've included a quote from the American College of Cardiology Guidelines on Valvular disease (http://www.acc.org/clinical/guidelines/valvular/jac5929fla16.htm#D):

"Reassurance is a major part of the management of patients with MVP, most of whom are asymptomatic or have no cardiac symptoms and lack a high-risk profile. These patients with mild or no symptoms and findings of milder forms of prolapse should be reassured of the benign prognosis. A normal lifestyle and regular exercise is encouraged."

Hope that helps.

[rian]

Thank you for your answers and the guideline informations. I downloaded the pdf and now reading it and found it very usefull. Thanks again.