MITRAL VALVE ABNORMALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH COARCTATION OF THE AORTA: A SPECTRUM THAT INCLUDES PARACHUTE DEFORMITY OF THE MITRAL VALVE

Abstract

Fifty-three specimens in which the primary diagnosis in life had been coarctation of the aorta were examined; only nine had a mitral valve of normal size and configuration. Ten specimens had a normally formed valve mechanism which was small in comparison to both tricuspid valve and left ventricle; 3 other specimens had a normally formed but hypoplastic valve which exhibited a short free margin of the anterior leaflet. The remaining 31 specimens demonstrated a spectrum of anomalies that included some forms of parachute mitral valve and may be divided into three basic types. Some showed fused or closely apposed chordae tendineae, due to nondevelopment of the intervening space; in others the space between the papillary muscles and the ventricular wall was underdeveloped, which prevented the papillary muscles from moving independently of the ventricular wall. In one case of parachute mitral valve the chordae tendineae were attached solely to the anterolateral papillary muscle; the posteromedial papillary muscle was inserted directly to the valve, near the annulus. Although the spectrum of congenital anomalies reported here does not include all forms of mitral stenosis, it does indicate that mitral valve disease probably occurs more frequently in coarctation of the aorta than previously recognized.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account

Continue with Google

Continue with ORCiD