Valvulopatía mitral

Abstract

The mitral valve is a complex structure responsible for directing flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Mitral valve disease can manifest mainly as mitral stenosis, mitral insufficiency, or a combination of both. Mitral stenosis, often associated with rheumatic fever, causes narrowing of the valve, making it difficult for blood to flow to the ventricle. On the other hand, mitral insufficiency is characterized by incomplete closure of the mitral valve, allowing blood to leak backward into the left atrium during ventricular systole. Both conditions generate hemodynamic overload; cardiac remodeling; and symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation is also a common complication. Diagnosis is based on a clinical assessment and echocardiographic studies. In some cases, more advanced tests, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, or invasive tests, such as cardiac catheterization, are required. Treatment ranges from medical management to relieve symptoms to surgical or percutaneous interventions such as valve replacement or repair. A comprehensive understanding of mitral valve disease is key to an effective approach and improving these patients’ quality of life.