Which additional primary/anatomic MR etiology is listed in the material?

• A. MVP
• B. cleft MV
• C. Bacterial endocarditis
• D. RHD

Answer: (B)

Mitral regurgitation can be caused by primary, structural abnormalities of the valve itself or by secondary changes from the heart’s function. An additional primary/anatomic MR etiology listed in the material is the cleft mitral valve, which is a congenital defect involving a gap or cleft in the leaflet tissue that directly creates a regurgitant jet. This is a distinct structural abnormality of the valve, different from MVP’s degenerative prolapse and from acquired processes like bacterial endocarditis or rheumatic heart disease, which damage the valve tissue but are not simple congenital leaflet defects. Therefore, the cleft mitral valve best fits the category of primary/anatomic MR etiology described.