What Histological Changes are Seen in Mitral Valve Prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is characterized by the myxomatous degeneration of the valve leaflets. Histologically, this involves an accumulation of proteoglycans in the spongiosa layer, leading to thickened, floppy leaflets. Elastic fiber fragmentation and collagen disorganization are often noted, contributing to the prolapse of the valve into the left atrium during systole.
