Congenital mitral malformation

Congenital Mitral Malformation is a heart defect present at birth that affects the mitral valve, one of the four valves in the heart. The mitral valve plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Malformations can vary widely in severity and type, including issues such as mitral valve prolapse, mitral stenosis, and mitral regurgitation. These conditions can lead to complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of congenital mitral malformation are not fully understood, but they are believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors may include a family history of congenital heart defects, maternal exposure to certain substances or medications during pregnancy, and certain genetic conditions.

Symptoms

Symptoms of congenital mitral malformation can vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, heart murmurs, and in severe cases, signs of heart failure such as swelling of the legs or feet and difficulty breathing during physical activity.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of congenital mitral malformation typically involves a combination of physical examination, echocardiography to visualize the heart and its valves, and possibly other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.

Treatment

Treatment options for congenital mitral malformation depend on the severity of the condition and the symptoms presented. Mild cases may only require regular monitoring, while more severe cases might necessitate medication to manage symptoms or even heart surgery to repair or replace the affected valve.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with congenital mitral malformation varies. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many individuals can lead normal, active lives. However, some may require ongoing treatment and monitoring for heart-related issues.

See Also

• Heart valve
• Congenital heart defect
• Cardiac surgery