Association of mean platelet volume with echocardiographic findings in patients with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis

Introduction: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a relatively common cause of mortality among patients in the developing countries, and pure mitral valve failure is the most common form of RHD. An increase in the mean platelet volume (MPV) is considered as an independent risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the association of MPV with echocardiographic findings in patients with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis. Methods: In a descriptive, analytical study, 100 patients with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis referred to Shahid Madani hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and 100 age & sex-matched healthy individuals were included the study. MPV and echocardiographic findings including Wilkins score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) were evaluated in both groups. Results: MPV in the case group was 10.45±0.98 and in the control group was 9.88±0.83. MPV in the patient’s groups was significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.001). Also, MPV in patients with positive LASEC findings was 10.69 ± 1.01 and in patients with negative LASEC findings was 10.25 ± 0.91. The difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.028). Conclusion: Patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis has a higher MPV compared to the healthy individuals, and it is associated with LASEC sign seen in echocardiography.