Degenerative, myxomatous disease of the leaflets is classic for which condition?

• A. Mitral Valve Prolapse
• B. Mitral Stenosis
• C. Aortic Stenosis
• D. Tricuspid Regurgitation

Answer: (A)

Degenerative myxomatous changes of the valve leaflets are classically seen with mitral valve prolapse. In this condition the mitral leaflets and their supporting chordae become thickened and floppy due to myxoid degeneration, causing the leaflets to billow or prolapse into the left atrium during systole. This often produces a midsystolic click with a late systolic murmur if mitral regurgitation is present, and on imaging you’ll commonly see one or both leaflets prolapsing above the annular plane during systole. It’s a process confined to the mitral valve and is not characteristic of mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis, or tricuspid regurgitation.