Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

What type of mitral valve deformity is characterized by having only one papillary muscle for both chordae?

1. A. ebstein's anomaly

2. B. arterioventricular defect mitral valve

3. C. parachute mitral valve

4. D. cleft mitral valve

The correct answer is: C. parachute mitral valve

The condition characterized by having only one papillary muscle supporting both chordae tendineae is known as parachute mitral valve. In this anomaly, the mitral valve is malformed such that the chordae tendineae attach to a single papillary muscle rather than the typical two. This structural alteration affects the normal function of the mitral valve, as it can lead to restricted movement of the valve leaflets, potentially causing mitral regurgitation or other complications. Understanding this deformity is important in the context of congenital heart defects, as it helps differentiate between various forms of valve and structural heart disease. In contrast, the other options represent different congenital or structural abnormalities: Ebstein's anomaly involves a malformed tricuspid valve, and an atrioventricular defect relates to an incomplete separation of the atrioventricular septum; meanwhile, a cleft mitral valve typically features a split in one of the valve leaflets rather than an abnormality of the papillary muscles. Thus, the parachute configuration is uniquely defined by its reliance on a single supporting papillary muscle for the chordae tendineae, distinctly identifying it among various heart valve deformities.