Paediatric mitral valve disease - from presentation to management

Mitral valve diseases are relatively rare in the paediatric population; however, they can cause considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide. Acquired causes are a major contributor to cardiovascular disease burden in the paediatric population. Diseases can be detected before birth, at birth, or when the child is older and presents with symptoms of advanced heart failure. Definitive management consists of surgical intervention, with mitral valve replacement being the gold standard. Conclusion : Repair has been gaining popularity; however, its outcomes require further study. Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty is an emerging technique which holds promise as a bridge to surgical treatment. The effect of these interventions on quality of life must be emphasised and requires further study. What is Known: • The epidemiology of mitral valve disease in the paediatric population - predominant causes include rheumatic disease and congenital defects. • Mitral valve repair and replacement are the standard treatment methods for paediatric mitral valve disease. What is New: • Emergence of percutaneous mitral valve interventions and their potential as bridge-to-surgery or definitive treatment in high-risk surgical candidates. • Recent evidence comparing mitral valve repair and replacement in the paediatric population demonstrates increasing popularity of repair techniques.