Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Mitral valve disease is a major global contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with its epidemiology shaped by regional characteristics and changing causes. In high income countries, degenerative mitral regurgitation predominates, resulting from ageing populations, although functional mitral regurgitation is increasingly recognised and constitutes an increasing proportion of the burden of mitral regurgitation. In contrast, rheumatic mitral stenosis and regurgitation affect younger patients in low and middle income areas. Advances in multimodality cardiac imaging have enhanced the precision of diagnostic and prognostic evaluation, and periprocedural planning and guidance. Management strategies are evolving, with surgical repair or replacement remaining the standard for eligible patients, supported by minimally invasive approaches and optimal timing and indications. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair and transcatheter mitral valve replacement are new treatment options for patients at high risk or previously considered to be inoperable. This review summarises the contemporary perspectives of the epidemiology of mitral valve disease, the pathophysiology, diagnostic imaging modalities, and treatments for mitral regurgitation and stenosis, and outlines future directions.
Source: BMJ Medicine
Authors: Susan Keen, Tom Kai Ming Wang, Brian Griffin
Institution: Cleveland Clinic
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,679
OpenAlex ID: W7225293173