EDITORIAL - THROMBOEMBOLIC STUDIES IN THE PATIENT WITH THE PROLAPSED MITRAL-VALVE - HAS SALOME DROPPED ANOTHER VEIL

The etiology, clinical findings and epidemiology of prolapsed mitral valve are summarized. Confirmation of diagnosis by angiocardiography and phonocardiography in addition to auscultation and echocardiography is suggested. Complications include transient cerebral ischemic attacks, stroke due to thromboembolism, and decreased platelet survival. Increased incidence of thromboembolism is associated with mitral stenosis, coronary artery disease, recurrent venous thrombosis, and in patients with prosthetic heart valves, and should be suspected in patients with coronary atherosclerosis. Prolapsed mitral valve occurs commonly and the prognosis is generally excellent despite the risk of thromboembolism.