Primary versus secondary mitral valve prolapse: clinical features and implications.

This study considers the implications that two types of mitral valve prolapse exist. One is primary, and consists of a basic abnormality of the mitral apparatus. While the etiology of this lesion may not always be the same, the major gross abnormalities are usually constant. Secondary mitral valve prolapse generally exists merely as a consequence of reduced or abnormal ventricular dimensions, and usually appears to be a benign phenomenon.