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.