Severe hypoplasia of the posterior mitral leaflet: A rare cause of congenital mitral regurgitation assessed by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract

A 73-year-old woman suffering from dyspnea was referred to our hospital. Cardiac examination revealed a 4/6 pansystolic regurgitant murmur at the apex radiating to the left axillary area. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed the almost complete absence of the posterior mitral leaflet, which determined severe eccentric mitral regurgitation. Subsequent transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the findings, showing an elongated, and mobile anterior mitral valve leaflet with a mild degree of prolapse (Fig.