Abstract

Objective: Mitral valve prolapse is affecting 2,4% of general population which shows similar prevalence, age and gender distribution and share common nonspecific symptoms with panic disorder. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the contribution of the anterior mitral leaflet prolapse to mitral regurgitation and panic disorder.

Material and Methods: Ninety-six patients, who were finally diagnosed as having non-cardiac chest pain with anterior mitral valve prolapse during the evaluation of chest pain, palpitation and fatigue were assessed for panic disorder.

Results: From 96 patients with mitral valve prolapse (mean age 40±8 years), 46 (48%) had panic disorder and 32 (33%) had mitral regurgitation. Majority of the patients were female (53%). 48 % of the patients with panic disorder had mitral regurgitation. Among 32 patients with mitral regurgitation, 22 (69%) had panic disorder. The incidence of panic disorder in patients with mitral regurgitation was 69%. Among those with panic disorder, 48% had mitral regurgitation. There was a significant correlation between mitral regurgitation and panic disorder (p=0.004).

Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the possible contribution of the anterior mitral leaflet prolapse to mitral regurgitation and panic disorder. Panic disorder and mitral valve prolapse presents a co-morbidity, which deserves further clinical investigations.

Key Words: Mitral Valve Prolapse; Panic Disorder; Mitral Regurgitation.