Platelet activation and mitral valve prolapse.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a predisposing factor for cerebral ischemia, especially in young adults. Cerebral embolization of intracardiac thrombi is the probable mechanism in many cases. Platelets play a key role in the development of thrombi. We found that platelet factor 4, a marker protein of platelet activation, was elevated in 12 of 33 MVP patients (36%) without a history of stroke. This finding indicates that platelets are frequently activated in asymptomatic MVP patients and may allow identification of a subgroup of MVP patients with activated platelets who are at increased risk for emboli.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000032:analysis*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008945:Mitral Valve Prolapse / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D010978:Platelet Factor 4 / Q000032:analysis*; D012306:Risk
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D010978:Platelet Factor 4