Mitral Atresia
Also written as: MA — Mitral Atresia
A rare congenital heart defect characterized by the absence or imperforate development of the mitral valve, preventing direct blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
Full Definition
Mitral atresia is a rare and complex congenital heart malformation where the mitral valve is absent or imperforate, preventing normal blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This condition forces pulmonary venous return to flow through an atrial septal defect to reach the systemic circulation. Mitral atresia is often associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or other forms of left heart obstruction. The condition typically presents in the neonatal period with severe cyanosis and congestive heart failure. Management usually requires complex staged surgical reconstruction or heart transplantation, as the left ventricle is often underdeveloped and unable to support systemic circulation.
Usage
Usage note: Extremely rare condition often requiring specialized notation regarding associated left heart hypoplasia.
In Context
- "Fetal echocardiography revealed mitral atresia with a severely hypoplastic left ventricle." — Prenatal cardiology report
- "The patient with mitral atresia underwent evaluation for heart transplantation candidacy." — Heart failure clinic consultation