The Basics of Mitral Valve Disease

In this presentation, Dr. Mark Hammer provides an overview of mitral valve disease. He discusses the basic anatomy of the mitral valve, highlighting its two leaflets and associated structures. Dr. Hammer explains the impact of conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on the mitral valve. He delves into mitral annular calcifications, emphasizing their common occurrence with aging and atherosclerosis. The presentation covers mitral valve dysfunction evaluation through chest X-rays, focusing on signs like left atrial enlargement. Dr. Hammer also touches on mitral stenosis, endocarditis involving the mitral valve, and various masses that can affect it, including vegetations and thrombi. Finally, he discusses devices such as the MitraClip and different types of valve replacements used in the treatment of mitral valve disease.