Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) (aka primary form of myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve aka floppy mitral valve syndrome) is a valvular heart disease characterized by the displacement of an abnormally thickened mitral valve leaflet into the left atrium during systole. There are various types of MVP, broadly classified as classic and nonclassic. In its nonclassic form, MVP carries a low risk of complications. In severe cases of classic MVP, complications include mitral regurgitation, infective endocarditis, congestive heart failure, and, in rare circumstances, cardiac arrest, usually resulting in sudden death.

The diagnosis of MVP depends upon echocardiography, which uses ultrasound to visualize the mitral valve. The prevalence of MVP is estimated at 2-3% of the population.

The condition was first described by John Brereton Barlow in 1966. As such, it may also be referred to as Barlow's Syndrome. and was subsequently termed mitral valve prolapse by J. Michael Criley.