Question

In Rheumatic heart disease, which valve has highest probability of deformation?

• A. Mitral
• B. Aortic
• C. Tricuspid
• D. Pulmonary

Hint:

Remember: Mitral valve is most commonly affected in rheumatic heart disease, followed by aortic. Right-sided valves are rarely involved.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the pathophysiology of Rheumatic heart disease.
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a long-term complication of rheumatic fever, which stems from untreated group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. The body's immune response mistakenly targets cardiac tissues, resulting in inflammation of the entire heart (pancarditis) and permanent damage to heart valves.
Step 2: Identify the most frequently affected valve.
The mitral valve is affected in the majority of cases, up to 70–80%. This involvement leads to leaflet thickening, fusion of valve edges (commissural fusion), and shortening of the supporting cords (chordae tendineae), ultimately causing mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation.
The aortic valve is the second most commonly affected valve, often concurrently with the mitral valve. The tricuspid and pulmonary valves are infrequently involved.
Step 3: Evaluate the provided options.
- (A) Mitral: Correct. This is the valve most frequently exhibiting deformation.
- (B) Aortic: Less frequently affected, typically when the mitral valve is also involved.
- (C) Tricuspid: Involvement is rare, usually observed in severe or advanced RHD.
- (D) Pulmonary: Extremely rare in the context of rheumatic heart disease.
Step 4: Conclude the most probable valve deformation.
In Rheumatic heart disease, the mitral valve exhibits the highest likelihood of deformation.