Von Willebrand Factor and Mitral Valve Prolapse

Abstract

SummaryThe levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF: Ag) were measured in 27 patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and compared to 27 age matched controls. Decreased levels of vWF:Ag (<80%) were found in 59% (16/27) of those with MVP compared to only 7% (2/27) of the controls (p <0.001). Mean vWF: Ag levels were also significantly lower in those with MVP (68 ± 30% versus 100 ± 23%, p <0.001). In those with MVP and congestive heart failure secondary to ruptured chordae tendineae, however, the mean level of vWF:Ag was not significantly different from control values (95 ± 32). There was an increased incidence of recurrent nose bleeds in those with MVP and low levels of vWF: Ag. We conclude that there is a relationship between MVP and low levels of vWF:Ag which may explain the increased incidence of epistaxis in such patients. Increased release of vWF: Ag in those with MVP and concomitant congestive heart failure may account for the normal levels found in this subgroup.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome and mitral valve prosthesis leakage. A pilot study

“…In both conditions, this clinical situation can require modification in coagulation therapeutic guidelines, replacement surgery, or both. This syndrome has been described with low levels of VWF in mitral prolapse (27, 28). However, to our knowledge, no previous association of AVWS with mitral valve periprosthesis leakage has been reported.…”

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Associated With von Willebrand's Disease-Case Report-

“…12) Decreased levels of VWF were found in 59% of patients with mitral valve prolapse compared to only 7% of controls. 6) In our case, mitral valve prolapse was not present. The pathogenic link between type III collagen and VWD remains unexplained.…”

“…[3][4][5][6]12,[14][15][16] VWD may be related to cardiovascular abnormalities including mitral valve prolapse or cerebral aneurysm based on abnormal production of type III collagen. 3) Mitral valve prolapse occurs more than four times more frequently in patients with VWD than in controls.…”

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in children with aortic and pulmonary stenosis

“…Although Froom et al19 reported a relationship between frequent epistaxis episodes and low VWF:Ag, Rauch et al15 did not find any association between bleeding episodes and the von Willebrand deficiency in patients with patent ductus arteriosus. We also could not find any relationship between low VWF:Ag levels and bleeding.…”