[The mitral valve prolapse syndrome and its complications (author's transl)].

Out of 1800 patients examined for valvular heart disease, 19 were found to have the mitral valve prolapse syndrome (MVPS). The relevant literature is reviewed and the epidemiology and aetiology of the disease are discussed. 50% of the patients had a history of endomyocarditis. The special diagnostic value of echocardiography is emphasized. Sudden death (observed in 2 young patients) and the grave complication of bacterial endocarditis (observed in 3 patients and usually caused by Streptococcus viridans) can occur in this condition. Prophylactic therapy with beta-blocking drugs and antibiotics seems warranted. The case history of one patient with MVPS under observation for eight years, who developed bacterial endocarditis from a dental focus is reported in greater detail as a typical case.