Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Visual complications of mitral leaflet prolapse.

Br Med J 1977; 2 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.6079.86 (Published 09 July 1977) Cite this as: Br Med J 1977;2:86
  1. L A Wilson,
  2. P W Keeling,
  3. A D Malcolm,
  4. R W Russel,
  5. M M Webb-Peploe

    Abstract

    Four young women and six older men with mitral leaflet prolapse presented with visual disturbances consistent with embolism in the ophthalmic or posterior cerebral circulation. Cardiac arrhythmias were common, but these are rarely associated with focal ischaemia. The evidence that mitral leaflet prolapse caused the embolism in these patients is suggestive but not conclusive. Further studies are needed. All patients with acute cerebral or ocular ischaemia should undergo through cardiovascular assessment, which should include routine echocardiography.