The prolapsed mitral valve syndrome and the flyer.

For the past 15 years there has been an increasing interest in the prolapsed mitral (PMV) syndrome as evidenced by its increasing attention in the literature. Although the syndrome in many of its aspects is still ill-defined, enough is known about it and its possible sequelae--arrhythmias, endocarditis, and sudden death--to signal some concern to flight surgeons. This paper briefly reviews the prolapsed mitral valve syndrome and defines the aeromedical problem which it presents. The author, furthermore, points out that there is a need for prospective studies so that the prognosis of PMV will be better understood. Only in that way will flight surgeons be able to determine more intelligently appropriate aeromedical disposition.