Arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse and its association with sudden cardiac death

Abstract

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects 2% to 3% of the general population; its main sequelae include mitral valve regurgitation, heart failure, infectious endocarditis and a possible and disturbing association with sudden cardiac death (SCD). We present the case report of a 30-year-old asymptomatic woman in her usual life, with evidence of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NSVT) on multiple occasions. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed degenerative disease due to mitral valve prolapse with moderate to severe valvular regurgitation and Mitral Annulus Disjunction with hypermobility of the posterolateral wall of the left ventricle (LV).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed increased volumes, mild deterioration of ejection fraction and absence of focal fibrosis of the LV. Multiple clinical and cardiac imaging factors have been described that would allow identifying those patients with increased risk for the development of SCD.