MITRAL-VALVE PROLAPSE - AVOIDING COMPLICATIONS OF A PROGRESSIVE DISEASE

Mitral valve prolapse is a common disorder, but it carries low morbidi ty and mortality. Patients require dose follow-up, however, to prevent development of serious complications. In addition, patients with thic kened mitral valve leaflets or mitral regurgitation require antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis. Family members of patient s with primary mitral valve prolapse should be screened for the diseas e, because it often is asymptomatic.