Juvenile autoimmune thyroiditis and mitral valve prolapse.

An increased incidence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) has been reported in adult patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of MVP in children and adolescents with juvenile autoimmune thyroiditis (JAT). Cardiac echo studies using M-mode, 2D, and Doppler examinations were performed on 23 patients (21 females, 2 males). The patients were studied at a median age of 12 years (range 5-20 years). Only one patient was found to have evidence suggestive of MVP, an incidence (4.3%) similar to that seen in the normal pediatric population. We, therefore, conclude that the incidence of MVP in children and adolescence with JAT is not increased.