title: Myxoid heart disease: a review with special emphasis on sudden cardiac death.
abstract: Myxoid heart disease (MHD), more commonly known as mitral valve prolapse, is a very common cardiac abnormality affecting 5-10% of the general population. This article reviews the history, symptoms, physical findings, pathology, associated conditions and complications of this entity. Special emphasis is given to sudden cardiac death, which occurs as a result of acute heart failure or due to a fatal arrhythmia. Theories regarding the origin of the arrhythmias are discussed. Once the origin is known, those at risk for this devastating complication can be identified and perhaps a preventative therapeutic regimen developed.
authors.affiliation: Office of the District Medical Examiner, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
authors.forename: E H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Scheurman
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000150:complications; D003645:Death, Sudden / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000401:mortality*