[Mitral valve prolapse and endocarditis prophylaxis]. / Prolasso della valvola mitrale e profilassi della endocardite.

This paper briefly reviews the anatomy, epidemiology and clinical aspects of the Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), and focuses attention on the association between infective endocarditis and prolapse, particularly after oral surgery. It is recommended that all MVP patients, irrespective of whether they have mitral regurgitation or not, receive correct prophylactic treatment. The pharmacological approach suggested, based on the most recent advances in antibiotic pharmacodynamics, is designed in accordance with specific patient risks.