Aortic elastic properties do not differ in patients with mitral valve prolapse

Abstract

Objective: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is one of the most frequently seen cardiac disorders. The basic pathophysiologic mechanism is deterioration in the connective tissue leading to increased elasticity of mitral leaflets. Elasticity of the aorta which is a well established predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes may also differ in these patients when alteration in the connective tissue is taken into account. The aim of this study is to investigate the elastic properties of the aorta in patients with MVP. Method: Thirty seven patients with MVP and 38 healthy controls were evaluated in terms of aortic elastic properties using aortic strain, aortic stiffness index and aortic distensibility. Results: Median value for aortic strain was 0.07 (0.0338-0.231) in MVP group and 0.079 (0.0345-0.28) in the control group (p=0.359). Aortic stiffness was calculated on the basis of aortic strain. The mean value for stiffness index was 6.87 ± 3.59 and 6.21 ± 2.83 in the MVP and control groups respectively (p=0.388). Distensibility of the aorta was quantified with a median value of 3286 (1229-12700) in patients with MVP and 3400 (1087-13790) in healthy subjects (p=0.346). Eventually, when the aortic elastic parameters were compared (aortic strain, stiffness index and distensibility), no difference was found between MVP and control groups. Conclusions: The elastic properties of the aorta do not differ in patients with MVP when compared to healthy individuals. It will not be accurate to predict long term cardiovascular outcomes based on elastic properties of the aorta in patients with MVP.