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CASE 2.1 MITRAL VALVE STENOSIS
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Patient Presentation
During a scheduled prenatal visit, a 34-year-old in the 24th week of her first pregnancy complains of shortness of breath and fatigue. During a couple of recent exercise sessions she noticed that her heart was "racing." During one of these episodes, she noticed a small amount of blood in her saliva.
Relevant Clinical Findings History This patient emigrated from India to the United States 10 years ago. She indicates that there is no family history of cardiovascular or respiratory disease. She does not have records for childhood immunizations and illnesses. To date, her pregnancy has been unremarkable.
Physical Examination Noteworthy vital signs:
Results of physical examination:
Imaging Studies Electrocardiogram Clinical Problems to Consider
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Describe the anatomy of the left atrioventricular (mitral) valve.
Correlate the normal electrocardiogram (ECG) with events of the cardiac cycle.
Explain the anatomical basis for the signs and symptoms associated with this case.
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Left Atrioventricular (Mitral) Valve
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A system of one-way valves guards the entry and exit channels of the ventricles of the heart (Fig. 2.1.1). These valves are divided into those that lie at the junction of each atrium with its respective ventricle (atrioventricular valves) and those that are located in the root of the large vessel exiting each ventricle (pulmonary and aortic valves). The cusps for each heart valve are composed of a fibrous core that is coated with endocardium. All cusps are anchored to the cardiac skeleton, a fibrous ring that insulates atrial from that of the ventricular myocardium.
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The left atrioventricular (mitral or bicuspid) valve lies at the junction of the left atrium and ventricle (Fig. 2.1.1). Its two cusps are termed anterior and posterior and the two papillary muscles of the left ventricle have the same distinctions. The area of the anterior cusp is approximately twice that of the posterior cusp. Chordae tendineae from each papillary muscle extend to both valve cusps. This arrangement is most important ...