Increased mean platelet volume in rheumatic mitral stenosis: A possible factor for thromboembolic events

SummaryBackgroundsSystemic embolism is an important complication in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS). The mean platelet volume (MPV) is considered a marker and determinant of platelet function since larger platelets are hemostatically more reactive than platelets of normal size, increasing the propensity to thrombosis. The aim of this study was to investigate MPV in patients with RMS and healthy control subjects.MethodsWe selected 30 consecutive patients with RMS and 31 consecutive healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects. All subjects were in sinus rhythm. We measured MPV in a blood sample collected in EDTA.ResultsDemographic data of the RMS (mean age: 39.5 ± 9.9 years, 22 [71%] female) and control groups (mean age: 39.2 ± 9.3 years, 20 [67%] female) were similar. The MPV was significantly higher in patients with RMS 8.8 (8.2–11.3) fl than control subjects 8.1 (7.1–9.3) (P < 0.001).ConclusionElevated MPV might be considered as a marker of increased thromboembolic risk in patients with RMS. We suggest that patients with high MPV values might benefit from antiplatelet therapy.