Juvenile Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease: A Review of the Pathogenesis and Morphology with Implications for Valve Repair

Abstract

Rheumatic heart disease is one of the leading causes of valvular heart disease globally, with the highest disease burden occurring in young patients in low- and middle-income countries. This review explores the traditional and more recent concepts in the pathogenesis of juvenile rheumatic mitral valve disease (JRMVD). The interaction between normal mitral valve structure and function is reviewed, followed by the pathogenesis, morphological features and echocardiographic characteristics of JRMVD. Finally, the rationale for mitral valve repair techniques favored in this challenging patient population is discussed.