Mitral valve prolapse. Practical aspects of diagnosis and management.

Because auscultatory findings may vary greatly among patients with suspected mitral valve prolapse, careful examination is essential to avoid diagnostic misinterpretation. The presence of mitral valve prolapse can be confirmed by echocardiography. Clinicians should be reluctant to attribute symptoms to the echo or physical finding of prolapse. Prognosis in the vast majority of patients is excellent, and reassurance is a critical element of successful patient management. Endocarditis prophylaxis and periodic follow-up examinations are appropriate for patients with mitral regurgitation.