Association of Keratoconus and Mitral Valve Prolapse

PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in patients with keratoconus (KCN) with that of normal subjects. METHODS: This study includes 62 individuals with KCN diagnosed by clinical findings and topographic criteria, and 167 age and sex matched controls with no clinical or topographic evidence of KCN. All participants were evaluated by two-dimensional M-mode and color doppler echocardiography. Perloff's criteria were used for diagnosis of definite MVP. RESULTS: Definite MVP was diagnosed in 22.6% of subjects with KCN and 6.6% of the control group (OR= 4.2; 95% CI, 1.93-11.3; P= 0.009). MVP was more prevalent in patients with KCN based on age and sex stratification. Odds ratio for MVP increased from 2.67 before the third decade of life to 33.44 in the third decade and slightly decreased to 16.52 in the fourth decade and above. CONCLUSION: This study disclosed an increased prevalence of MVP in individuals with keratoconus suggesting the necessity of cardiovascular evaluation in these patients.