Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Young Athletes with Mitral Valve Prolapse

Background Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is the most common primary valvular abnormality in a young population. In some individuals, MVP is silent or associated with palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) repolarization with or without ventricular arrhythmias. Hypothesis The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of the clinical and electrocardiographic abnormalities in young athletes with silent MVP. Methods A group of 10 children, who have been sport training intensively, with preparticipation silent MVP were examined for symptoms and/or ECG abnormalities. The diagnosis of MVP was made by echocardiography. Results Three athletes were asymptomatic at initial presentation. The other 7 athletes presented with symptoms. The QTc intervals > 440 msec were recorded in 2 athletes (1 with syncope). Abnormal ECG repolarization was found in 7 athletes (4 athletes were symptomatic and 3 were asymptomatic). A large variety of T-waves was registered in athletes who presented with symptoms. In asymptomatic athletes, the tall and flat T-waves were recorded. Conclusions Young athletes with MVP are often predisposed to electrocardiographic abnormalities of ventricular repolarization, which requires annual cardiologic evaluation. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.