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: Recall pathogenesis of Rheumatic heart disease.
Rheumatic heart disease is a chronic consequence of rheumatic fever, which follows untreated group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal throat infections. The immune system cross-reacts with cardiac tissue, causing pancarditis and chronic valvular deformities.
Step 2: Which valve is most commonly affected?
The mitral valve is the most frequently involved, in up to 70–80% of cases. It shows leaflet thickening, commissural fusion, and chordae tendineae shortening, leading to mitral stenosis or regurgitation.
The aortic valve is the second most commonly affected, often along with the mitral valve. Tricuspid and pulmonary valves are rarely involved.
Step 3: Analyze the options.
- (A) Mitral: Correct. Most frequently deformed valve.
- (B) Aortic: Less commonly affected, usually in association with mitral involvement.
- (C) Tricuspid: Rare, except in severe or advanced cases.
- (D) Pulmonary: Extremely rare in rheumatic heart disease.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, in Rheumatic heart disease, the mitral valve has the highest probability of deformation.