mitralvalv

The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is a critical component of the left heart. It separates the left atrium from the left ventricle and controls blood flow during the cardiac cycle. The valve consists of two leaflets – anterior and posterior – attached to the papillary muscles via chordae tendineae. During diastole the leaflets open, allowing oxygen‑rich blood to flow from the atrium into the ventricle. In systole the leaflets close, preventing backflow into the atrium and ensuring efficient forward circulation.

A structurally normal mitral valve has a smooth, pliable surface and a central coaptation line. Age‑related changes can lead to leaflet thickening, calcification, or fibrosis, potentially affecting valve dynamics. Early functional alterations often go unnoticed but may gradually impair cardiac output.

Mitral valve disease is divided into two principal categories: stenosis and regurgitation. Stenosis commonly arises from rheumatic fever or degenerative calcific processes, narrowing the valve orifice and increasing left atrial pressure. Regurgitation results from leaflet prolapse, chordal rupture, or rheumatic scarring, causing volume overload of the atrium and ventricle. Both conditions may lead to dyspnea, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, and increased risk of stroke.

Diagnosis relies on echocardiography, which visualizes valve morphology, leaflet motion, and transvalvular gradients. Additional imaging such as cardiac MRI or CT may be employed for detailed anatomical assessment or pre‑operative planning. Electrocardiography can detect arrhythmias secondary to mitral disease. Laboratory tests are generally non‑specific but may complement the assessment.

Treatment strategies evolve with disease severity. Medical management focuses on symptom relief, rate control, and prevention of thromboembolism. Valvuloplasty, percutaneous balloon dilatation, or surgical repair are options for stenosis, while leaflet resection, annuloplasty, or valve replacement are employed for regurgitation. Transcatheter mitral valve implantation and repair techniques are expanding therapeutic choices, particularly in high‑risk elderly patients. Ongoing research investigates biological valve scaffolds, stem‑cell‑based tissue engineering, and genetic factors linked to congenital mitral anomalies.