The impact of echocardiographic results on treatment decisions for patients suspected of mitral valve prolapse.

Full Abstract

Although echocardiography is frequently ordered in ambulatory settings for patients suspected of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), its impact on their subsequent management is unknown. We studied the relationship between the results of echocardiography for outpatients suspected of MVP, and two frequent medical decisions: treatment with beta blockers and the recommendation of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent bacterial endocarditis. A medical record audit was performed on 274 outpatients referred to a university medical center echocardiography laboratory to rule out MVP. Although echocardiographic evidence for MVP significantly influenced the decision to recommend antibiotic prophylaxis (P less than 0.001), symptoms were more likely to be used as indications for beta-blocker therapy in patients suspected of the condition. We conclude that echocardiographic results are used for recommending antibiotic prophylaxis to outpatients suspected of MVP, but not for beta-blocker therapy.

Author information

Author/s: Retchin, S M (SM); Waugh, R A (RA); Fletcher, R H (RH);

Affiliation: Department of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298-0001.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Medical care (Med Care), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1987-Jul; vol 25 (issue 7) : pp 652-7

Dates: Created 1988/02/05; Completed 1988/02/05; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 2891882, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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