Posterior mitral leaflet motion and markers of connective tissue variability in apparently healthy young men

P. Froom, M. Kriwisky, J. Benbassat, J. Ribak, Y. Tendler, B. S. Lewis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The degree of posterior systolic displacement of the mitral leaflets was cross tabulated with the prevalence of asthenic body build (body mass index (BMI) of ≤ 20 kg/m2), increased joint laxity, latent tetany (positive Chvostek's sign), and valve thickness in 300 asymptomatic men aged 18 to 30 years. The prevalence of a positive Chvostek's sign, valve thickness of 4 mm or more, BMI of 20 kg/m2 or less, and hyperlaxity increased gradually as the degree of posterior mitral leaflet motion increased as measured by both M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography. We conclude that there is an association between posterior systolic displacement of the mitral leaflet and the prevalence of findings associated with connective tissue diseases. The degree of posterior mitral leaflet motion, however, is not associated with a consistent abrupt change in the prevalence of the variables tested, arguing against defining arbitrary cut-off points for the diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse. These findings are consistent with the concept that the degree of mitral leaflet motion during systole, body build, joint laxity, valve thickness, and the presence or absence of latent tetany are manifestations of a spectrum of connective tissue variability found in apparently normal young men.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)303-307
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Technology
Volume8
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1989
Externally publishedYes

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