[Mitral valve prolapse and cusp elasticity].

Purpose: To verify if systolic bulging of floppy mitral cusps can to elastic behavior of their myxomatous collagen tissue.

Methods: Five hearts with floppy mitral valves obtained from autopsies were distended with air (20 to 250 mmHg) through a catheter connected to the left ventricle. It was observed if some area of the atrial surface of the coapted cusps showed variable bulging according to the variation of air injection pressures.

[Relationship between volume reduction of the left ventricle and the increase of mitral valve prolapse. An experimental study in dogs].

Purpose: To verify whether accentuated reductions of left ventricular volume lead to mitral valve prolapse.

Methods: Seven mongrel dogs were bled through the internal jugular vein, the systolic systemic pressure being kept between 100 and 140 mmHg by means of continuous infusion of dopamine; the inferior vena cava vein, in tree other dogs, was partially obstructed for 4 to 6 seconds; epicardial echocardiography was carried out in all cases.

Results: Reductions of volemia were about 50% of the estimated total blood volume.

[Necropsy study of the mitral valve according to 5 different echocardiographic planes].

Purpose: To study, in anatomic specimens, the regions of the mitral valve transected by the parasternal long axis, the apical five chamber, the apical four chamber, the apical two chamber and the left ventricle apical long axis echocardiographic views.

Methods: 15 patients' hearts, after fixation through intra-ventricular injection of formalin, were cut according to the five above referred echocardiographic views.

Results: Only the apical five chamber view studied adequately the most anterior regions of both mitral cusps.

[Necropsy study of the mitral valve transected according to five echocardiographic planes].

Purpose: To study, in anatomic specimens, the regions of the mitral valve transected by the parasternal long axis, the apical 5 chamber, the apical 4 chamber, the apical 2 chamber and the left ventricle apical long axis echocardiographic views.

Methods: 15 patients' hearts, after fixation through intra-ventricular injection of formalin, were cut according to the five above referred echocardiographic views.

Results: Only the apical 5 chamber view studied adequately the most anterior regions of both mitral cusps.