Mitral Regurgitation with Deafness and Skeletal Anomalies Syndrome

Mitral regurgitation with deafness and skeletal anomalies syndrome is a very rare genetic condition. It affects the heart valves (especially the mitral valve), the bones and joints (with some bones fused together), and hearing (often conductive hearing loss). Many people are short in height and have small hands with short fingers. Some have a high palate and mild facial differences. Doctors first described families with this pattern in the 1960s. Later, gene studies showed changes (variants) in a gene called MAP3K7 cause this condition. The gene helps cells respond to signals, including the TGF-β pathway, which is important for forming bone, cartilage, the heart, and the ear. NCBI+2PubMed+2

This disorder is a very rare genetic syndrome whose official name in modern databases is Cardiospondylocarpofacial (CSCF) syndrome. Doctors first described families with mitral valve leakage (mitral regurgitation), hearing loss, short stature, and skeletal fusions in the spine, wrists/ankles, and other bones. Today, researchers know that many cases come from autosomal-dominant variants in the gene MAP3K7 (it encodes TAK1, a kinase in TGF-β signaling). People may have heart valve problems (mitral regurgitation or prolapse), conductive hearing loss, and bony fusions or shape changes (e.g., carpal/tarsal bone synostosis, vertebral anomalies) along with certain facial features. Because it is so rare, care focuses on timely diagnosis, careful monitoring, and treatment of each involved system—heart, ears/hearing, and the skeleton. Orpha.net+2Wikipedia+2

Pathogenic variants in MAP3K7 can disrupt connective-tissue signaling and organ development, explaining why the heart valves, bones/joints, and middle-ear bones can all be affected. Only a small number of patients have been reported worldwide. Wikipedia

Other names

Doctors and databases list several names for the same disorder. You may see: Cardiospondylocarpofacial syndrome (CSCF); Forney syndrome; Forney-Robinson-Pascoe syndrome; mitral regurgitation-deafness-skeletal anomalies syndrome; and mitral regurgitation-hearing loss-skeletal anomalies syndrome. These names reflect the heart (cardio), spine (spondylo), wrist/hand (carpo), and face (facial) findings, and the original family reports. Wikipedia+2PubMed+2

Types

There is no official set of “types” like Type 1 or Type 2 for CSCF. But doctors often talk about clinical subgroups to guide care:

1. Classic CSCF with mitral valve disease, conductive hearing loss, short stature, carpal/tarsal bone fusion, and cervical spine fusion. NCBI

2. Cardiac-predominant cases with more severe valve disease or septal defects early in life. NCBI

3. Skeletal-predominant cases with pronounced vertebral, carpal/tarsal, or rib fusions and short fingers. NCBI

4. Expanded-phenotype cases where features overlap with connective-tissue disorders (for example, joint laxity) or show new features as more patients are found. PubMed+1

5. Genotype-phenotype spectrum within MAP3K7, where different variants can produce different severity, and MAP3K7 can also cause another disorder (frontometaphyseal dysplasia type 2). Wiley Online Library+1

Causes

All “causes” below relate to one root cause: pathogenic variants in MAP3K7. The list breaks down how that gene change leads to the features you see.

1. MAP3K7 gene variants (TAK1) themselves. A single changed copy is enough (autosomal dominant). PubMed

2. Faulty TGF-β signaling. This pathway guides how bone, cartilage, heart valves, and inner ear form. Disruption leads to the typical triad. PubMed

3. Valve tissue dysplasia. Mitral valve leaflets and supporting tissue do not form normally, causing leakage (regurgitation). NCBI

4. Abnormal segmentation of vertebrae. Leads to fused neck bones (posterior cervical synostosis). NCBI

5. Carpal/tarsal bone fusion. The small wrist and foot bones may fuse, limiting motion. NCBI

6. Abnormal ossicle and middle ear development. This causes conductive hearing loss. NCBI

7. Inner ear malformations. Some have inner ear changes that also affect hearing. NCBI

8. Short bone growth. Results in short stature and short fingers (brachydactyly). NCBI

9. Joint laxity in some patients. Connective-tissue effects can make joints loose or unstable. PubMed

10. Septal heart defects in some. Some patients have atrial or ventricular septal defects along with valve problems. NCBI

11. Facial development differences. Long philtrum, upslanted fissures, or broad nasal bridge may appear. Global Genes

12. High-arched palate. Palatal shape reflects connective-tissue development. Wikipedia

13. Rib synostosis in some cases. Fusion of ribs reflects the same bone patterning error. Wikipedia

14. Temporal-bone/ear space changes. Can predispose to frequent ear infections and hearing issues. Wikipedia

15. Cervical spine stiffness. Neck fusion reduces range of motion and may complicate anesthesia or intubation planning. NCBI

16. Growth signaling imbalance. Disturbed signaling may contribute to overall growth delay. PubMed

17. De novo variants. Many cases likely arise as new variants (not inherited) because the condition is extremely rare. PubMed

18. Autosomal dominant inheritance when inherited. One affected parent can pass it to a child with a 50% chance. Wikipedia

19. Variant-specific severity. Some MAP3K7 changes cause more severe heart or skeletal disease than others. Nature

20. Overlap with MAP3K7-related skeletal dysplasia. The same gene, with different changes, can cause frontometaphyseal dysplasia type 2; this shows the shared bone pathway. Frontiers

Symptoms and signs

Not every person has all features. These are the most reported:

1. Mitral regurgitation – the mitral valve leaks, so blood flows backward, causing a heart murmur and sometimes tiredness or shortness of breath. NCBI

2. Mitral valve prolapse or valve dysplasia – the valve leaflets are shaped or supported abnormally. NCBI

3. Short stature – overall height below average. NCBI

4. Brachydactyly – short fingers and sometimes short palms. NCBI

5. Carpal and/or tarsal synostosis – fused wrist or foot bones, often causing stiffness or reduced range. NCBI

6. Cervical vertebral fusion – neck bones fused in the back part; may limit movement. NCBI

7. Conductive hearing loss – problems moving sound through the middle ear; some have mixed hearing loss. NCBI

8. High-arched palate – may affect speech or dental occlusion. Wikipedia

9. Joint laxity or hypermobility (some) – looser ligaments in some patients. PubMed

10. Recurrent ear infections – due to middle-ear structure differences. Wikipedia

11. Rib synostosis (some) – fused ribs visible on imaging. Wikipedia

12. Distinct facial features (some) – long philtrum, rotated ears, broad nasal bridge, or upslanted palpebral fissures. Global Genes

13. Septal heart defects (some) – atrial or ventricular wall openings at birth. NCBI

14. Feeding difficulty and poor weight gain in infancy (some). Global Genes

15. Scoliosis or spine curve (some) – due to vertebral patterning differences. Wikipedia

Diagnostic tests

Diagnosis combines careful clinical checks with targeted tests. A genetics team is usually involved.

A) Physical examination

1. Cardiac auscultation – the clinician listens for a murmur of mitral regurgitation and checks signs of heart failure (like edema or breathlessness). This guides urgent echo testing. NCBI

2. Growth and body proportions – height, arm span, hand size, and finger length help spot short stature and brachydactyly typical of CSCF. NCBI

3. Spine and neck assessment – reduced neck motion or a short, stiff neck can hint at cervical fusion. NCBI

4. Hand and foot inspection – limited wrist/ankle motion or unusual contours can suggest carpal/tarsal fusion. NCBI

5. Ear, palate, and facial check – high palate, recurrent ear fluid, or facial shape differences are common clues. Global Genes

B) Manual/bedside tests

6. Rinne and Weber tuning-fork tests – quick bedside screens for conductive vs sensorineural hearing loss; CSCF often shows conductive loss. NCBI

7. Range-of-motion (ROM) testing of neck – limited extension/rotation supports suspected cervical synostosis and alerts anesthesiologists. NCBI

8. Hand grip and functional tasks – simple maneuvers can uncover stiffness from carpal fusion. NCBI

9. Gait and posture check – may show compensations from foot fusion or scoliosis. NCBI

10. Orthopedic provocation tests – gentle stress tests around fused joints assess pain and function without imaging. NCBI

C) Lab and pathological tests

11. Targeted or panel-based genetic testing – sequencing of MAP3K7 confirms the diagnosis. It is the key laboratory test for CSCF. Parental testing clarifies if the variant is inherited or de novo. PubMed+1

12. Chromosomal microarray or exome (if phenotype is unclear) – helps find the causative variant when a focused panel is negative but suspicion remains. PubMed

13. Family studies (segregation) – checking relatives helps confirm autosomal dominant inheritance and guides screening. Wikipedia

14. (Research) Functional assays for MAP3K7 – in research settings, labs may test how a specific variant alters TAK1/TGF-β signaling. This is not routine but explains severity in some reports. Nature

D) Electrodiagnostic and physiologic tests

15. Pure-tone audiometry – measures hearing thresholds; often shows conductive loss. Speech audiometry can add detail on functional hearing. NCBI

16. Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and/or auditory brainstem response (ABR) – physiologic hearing tests useful in infants and in mixed losses. NCBI

17. Electrocardiogram (ECG) ± ambulatory monitoring – screens for rhythm problems in people with structural heart disease; helpful baseline in congenital syndromes. Nature

E) Imaging tests

18. Transthoracic echocardiography (echo) – essential. Shows mitral regurgitation, valve prolapse/dysplasia, and any septal defects. Guides follow-up. NCBI

19. Cardiac MRI – used when echo pictures are limited or surgery is being planned; gives detailed valve and ventricular information. Nature

20. Cervical spine X-rays – detect vertebral fusion and alignment problems. Useful before anesthesia or surgery. NCBI

21. Hand/wrist and foot X-rays – show carpal and tarsal bone fusion and short bones. NCBI

22. CT of temporal bone (selected cases) – maps middle/inner ear structure when surgery is considered for hearing. NCBI

23. Scoliosis series – if back curvature is suspected, standing spine films document angles and growth changes. NCBI

24. Renal ultrasound (selected cases) – some reports mention urinary tract anomalies; ultrasound is low-risk screening when there are symptoms. Wikipedia

25. Dental/craniofacial imaging (as needed) – helps with high palate or dental alignment planning. Wikipedia

Non-pharmacological (non-drug) treatments

(each item includes what it is, the purpose, and how it helps; these are supportive measures commonly used for the heart, hearing, and skeletal features seen in CSCF—tailor with your clinicians)

1. Lifelong cardiology follow-up with echocardiography – Regular heart ultrasounds check how much the mitral valve leaks and how well the left ventricle is working. Purpose: catch enlargement or dysfunction early; plan surgery at the right time. Mechanism: imaging shows regurgitant volume, LV size, and pulmonary pressures per valvular-disease guidelines. AHA Journals+1

2. Exercise as tolerated (supervised) – Gentle aerobic activity improves conditioning without overloading a leaky valve. Purpose: maintain functional capacity and bone health. Mechanism: graded activity improves stroke volume and endothelial function; intensity is guided by symptoms and echo findings in guideline-directed care. AHA Journals

3. Dental hygiene and dental-care coordination – Excellent brushing/flossing and dentist-cardiologist coordination lower oral bacterial load and ensure correct decisions about infective endocarditis (IE) prophylaxis only for the highest-risk patients. Mechanism: less bacteremia from daily life; targeted antibiotics before some dental procedures for the small group that qualifies. ADA+1

4. Hearing aids or bone-conduction devices – Amplification helps people with conductive or mixed hearing loss participate fully in school and work. Purpose: improve communication and quality of life. Mechanism: microphones and amplifiers boost sound to bypass middle-ear inefficiency. NIDCD+1

5. Speech-language therapy (when hearing loss affects speech) – Builds clear speech, listening skills, and classroom strategies. Mechanism: structured auditory and articulation training to compensate for reduced input. NIDCD

6. Educational accommodations – Preferential seating, FM systems, captioning, and extra exam time for hearing-related learning barriers. Purpose: equitable access. Mechanism: improves signal-to-noise ratio and comprehension in classrooms. NIDCD

7. Physiotherapy for posture and joint mobility – Gentle stretching/strengthening protects joints affected by synostoses or scoliosis. Purpose: reduce pain, maintain function. Mechanism: improves range of motion and muscular support around altered bony anatomy. Monarch Initiative

8. Orthotics and ergonomic supports – Braces, shoe inserts, or wrist supports can offload areas with fused or malformed bones. Mechanism: redistributes force and improves gait/hand function. Monarch Initiative

9. Genetic counseling (family planning and cascade testing) – Explains inheritance, recurrence risks, and testing options for relatives. Mechanism: autosomal-dominant transmission means a 50% chance per pregnancy when a parent is affected. Orpha.net

10. Immunizations (routine schedule) – Prevents respiratory infections that can worsen heart failure symptoms. Mechanism: vaccines reduce infection-related cardiac stress; follow national schedules. AHA Journals

11. Nutrition for heart and bone health – Balanced diet with adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D; limit excess sodium if fluid retention occurs. Purpose: support cardiac and skeletal systems. Mechanism: macro/micronutrients maintain muscle and bone; sodium restriction helps edema. Office of Dietary Supplements

12. Hearing-focused environmental changes – Quiet rooms, good lighting for lip-reading, and minimized background noise at home/work. Mechanism: raises effective signal-to-noise, improving comprehension. NIDCD

13. Tympanostomy tubes when glue-ear persists (ENT-guided) – For chronic middle-ear fluid causing hearing loss, tubes ventilate the ear. Purpose: restore hearing; reduce infections. Mechanism: bypasses eustachian tube dysfunction. (Clinical guidance supports tubes for selected persistent OME cases.) NICE

14. Psychosocial support – Coping skills, peer support, and counseling address the stress of a chronic, rare diagnosis. Mechanism: reduces anxiety and improves adherence. National Organization for Rare Disorders

15. Occupational therapy for fine-motor tasks – Adapts handwriting, typing, and daily tasks when wrist/hand bones are atypical or fused. Mechanism: task-specific training and adaptive tools. Monarch Initiative

16. Fall-prevention and safe-lifting coaching – Protects joints and the spine in people with vertebral anomalies or scoliosis. Mechanism: body-mechanics training and home safety checks. Monarch Initiative

17. Sleep optimization – Treat snoring/apnea, maintain consistent sleep. Purpose: support cardiovascular function and daytime cognition. Mechanism: better autonomic balance and blood-pressure control. AHA Journals

18. Regular vision and kidney checks if flagged – Some patients may have ocular or urinary tract anomalies; surveillance catches issues early. Mechanism: periodic screening per specialist advice. Wikipedia

19. Activity restrictions during decompensation – If significant valve leakage causes symptoms, temporarily limit strenuous activity until stabilized or surgically treated. Mechanism: reduces hemodynamic stress on the valve. AHA Journals

20. Care coordination in a multidisciplinary clinic – Cardiology, ENT/audiology, orthopedics, genetics, and rehabilitation working together. Mechanism: shared plans reduce fragmented care and timing errors around mitral repair and hearing interventions. AHA Journals

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Drug treatments

Important: In primary chronic mitral regurgitation, drugs do not cure the valve leak; medications treat symptoms (e.g., edema, blood pressure, atrial fibrillation) or conditions like heart failure. Timing of surgery is the key disease-modifying step per guidelines. Use drugs only under clinician supervision. AHA Journals

1. Furosemide (LASIX®) – Class: loop diuretic. Typical adult dose: 20–80 mg orally once or twice daily (individualize). Purpose: relieve fluid overload and breathlessness. Mechanism: blocks Na-K-2Cl transporter in the loop of Henle to promote diuresis; reduces pulmonary congestion from regurgitation-related volume overload. Side effects: dehydration, low potassium, low sodium. FDA Access Data+1

2. Spironolactone (ALDACTONE®) – Class: mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. Dose: 12.5–25 mg daily (heart-failure contexts per clinician). Purpose: adjunct for edema/heart failure; potassium-sparing. Mechanism: antagonizes aldosterone in distal nephron; antifibrotic effects in HF. Side effects: hyperkalemia, gynecomastia. FDA Access Data+1

3. Lisinopril / Zestril® (ACE inhibitor) – Dose: often 5–20 mg daily (titrate). Purpose: treat hypertension and afterload; in LV dysfunction it supports HF care. Mechanism: inhibits ACE → vasodilation, neurohormonal modulation. Side effects: cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema. FDA Access Data+1

4. Losartan / Cozaar® (ARB) – Dose: 25–100 mg daily. Purpose: alternative to ACEI; blood-pressure control and HF contexts. Mechanism: blocks AT1 receptor. Side effects: dizziness, hyperkalemia; avoid in pregnancy. FDA Access Data+1

5. Valsartan / Diovan® (ARB) – Dose: 40–160 mg twice daily. Purpose/mechanism similar to losartan; used where ARB preferred. Side effects: dizziness, high potassium; boxed warning for fetal toxicity. FDA Access Data+1

6. Carvedilol (COREG®) – Class: beta-blocker with alpha-blockade. Dose: start low (e.g., 3.125–6.25 mg BID) and titrate. Purpose: HF with reduced EF; rate control in AF (with caution). Mechanism: lowers heart rate and neurohormonal activity; improves survival in HF. Side effects: bradycardia, hypotension. FDA Access Data+1

7. Metoprolol succinate ER – Class: β1-selective blocker. Dose: individualized once daily. Purpose: rate control (AF), BP management, HF (succinate ER formulation). Side effects: bradycardia, fatigue. FDA Access Data+1

8. Hydralazine (IV in acute hypertension or afterload reduction) – Dose: per hospital protocol. Purpose: short-term vasodilation in select decompensation scenarios. Mechanism: direct arteriolar dilator → reduced afterload. Side effects: tachycardia, headache. FDA Access Data+1

9. Apixaban (ELIQUIS®) – Class: oral factor Xa inhibitor. Dose: 5 mg BID (dose-adjust in specific criteria). Purpose: stroke prevention in non-valvular AF (e.g., MR with AF where DOAC is appropriate per guideline). Side effects: bleeding risk; boxed warnings. FDA Access Data+1

10. Warfarin (COUMADIN®) – Class: vitamin K antagonist. Dose: individualized to INR. Purpose: anticoagulation when a DOAC is not appropriate (e.g., mechanical valve, certain situations). Side effects: bleeding; many interactions. FDA Access Data+1

11. Sacubitril/valsartan (ENTRESTO®) – Class: ARNI. Dose: per label (e.g., 24/26–97/103 mg BID). Purpose: HF with reduced EF that can coexist with MR; improves outcomes in HFrEF. Mechanism: neprilysin inhibition + ARB. Side effects: hypotension, hyperkalemia, angioedema risk. FDA Access Data+1

12. Amoxicillin/clavulanate (AUGMENTIN®) – Not for routine IE prophylaxis; used when indicated for ENT/dental infections or other bacterial infections per culture. Purpose: treat infections that could destabilize cardiac status. Side effects: GI upset, allergy. (IE prophylaxis is reserved for highest-risk cardiac patients.) FDA Access Data+1

13. Topical otic antibiotics (e.g., ofloxacin) for otitis externa/otorrhea – Dose: per ENT. Purpose: treat ear canal infections that worsen hearing. Side effects: local irritation (drug choice per clinician; FDA labels vary by brand). PMC

14. Dapagliflozin/empagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitors) – Class: SGLT2 inhibitor. Purpose: HF with reduced ejection fraction irrespective of diabetes; may be considered when MR coexists with HFrEF. Side effects: genital infections, volume depletion. (Use per HF guidelines and drug labels.) AHA Journals

15. Potassium and magnesium repletion (when low on diuretics) – Purpose: maintain normal rhythm and prevent cramps/arrhythmias. Mechanism: corrects diuretic-induced losses; dosing individualized and monitored. FDA Access Data

16. Acetaminophen for pain – Safer analgesic when NSAIDs are undesirable due to blood pressure/renal issues in HF. Purpose: symptomatic relief. Mechanism: central analgesia. (Follow label limits.) AHA Journals

17. Short-acting nitrates (clinical settings) – Purpose: relieve pulmonary congestion/ischemia in selected acute episodes. Mechanism: venodilation reduces preload. Use under clinician supervision. AHA Journals

18. Iron supplementation (if iron-deficiency anemia is present) – Purpose: improve fatigue and exercise tolerance. Mechanism: restores hemoglobin/oxygen delivery; dosing individualized. AHA Journals

19. Vitamin D/calcium (if deficient) – Purpose: bone health in those with skeletal anomalies; dose only to correct deficiency. Risks with excess exist. Office of Dietary Supplements+1

20. Antihypertensives tailored to BP/age/comorbidities – In patients with hypertension, careful control decreases LV workload. Mechanism: multiple classes per guidelines; choose based on age, kidney function, and comorbidities. AHA Journals

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Dietary molecular supplements

(supportive; none cure the gene change—use only with clinician approval and watch interactions)

1. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) – Dose often 1–2 g/day of combined EPA/DHA (adjust medically). Function/mechanism: lower triglycerides and support cardiovascular health; may modestly affect some CV outcomes. Office of Dietary Supplements+1

2. Magnesium (diet first; supplements only if low) – Typical supplemental limit: ≤350 mg/day elemental from supplements unless supervised. Function: BP and rhythm support; mechanism: cofactor in muscle/nerve conduction. Excess can cause diarrhea and, rarely, arrhythmias—be cautious in kidney disease. Office of Dietary Supplements+1

3. Vitamin D (if deficient) – Dose individualized by blood level. Function: bone mineralization; mechanism: increases calcium absorption and bone health. Avoid over-supplementation due to toxicity risk. Office of Dietary Supplements

4. Coenzyme Q10 – Dose commonly 100–200 mg/day in studies. Function/mechanism: mitochondrial cofactor; studied for heart and migraine, but not FDA-approved for disease treatment. Evidence is mixed. NCCIH+1

5. Calcium (diet-led, supplement if needed) – Function: bone strength; mechanism: mineral for bone matrix. Keep within age-appropriate total intake and avoid excessive doses. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation

6. Folate/B-complex (diet first) – Function: supports hematologic/neurologic health; mechanism: coenzymes in cell metabolism. Supplement only if deficient or indicated. Office of Dietary Supplements

7. Zinc (deficiency-directed) – Function: immune and tissue repair; mechanism: enzyme cofactor. Avoid high chronic doses due to copper deficiency. Office of Dietary Supplements

8. Probiotic foods (e.g., yogurt) – Function: gut support during/after antibiotics for ENT infections. Mechanism: microbiome balance (strain-specific evidence). Office of Dietary Supplements

9. Iodine-adequate diet – Function: thyroid health that indirectly supports growth and energy. Mechanism: thyroid hormone synthesis. Use iodized salt sensibly. Office of Dietary Supplements

10. Protein-sufficient diet – Function: preserves muscle around the spine/shoulders; mechanism: supports repair and conditioning. Aim for balanced intake per nutritionist guidance. Office of Dietary Supplements

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Immunity-booster / regenerative / stem-cell drugs

There are no FDA-approved stem-cell, exosome, or “regenerative” drug products to treat this syndrome, its hearing loss, or its mitral valve disease. The FDA explicitly warns patients about clinics selling unapproved stem-cell or exosome products; injuries (infections, blindness, tumors) have occurred. If you see offers online, treat them as unsafe and unproven unless part of a regulated clinical trial under FDA oversight. Vaccines and good nutrition are the safe, proven “immune supports.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2U.S. Food and Drug Administration+2

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Surgeries and procedures

1. Mitral valve repair (preferred when feasible) – Surgeons reshape or reinforce the valve (e.g., annuloplasty ring). Why: durable fix for significant primary MR with symptoms, LV changes, or pulmonary hypertension; improves long-term outcomes when timed per guidelines. AHA Journals

2. Mitral valve replacement – A mechanical or bioprosthetic valve is implanted if repair is not possible. Why: treats severe MR when anatomy precludes repair. Requires anticoagulation for mechanical valves. AHA Journals

3. Tympanostomy tube insertion – ENT places small tubes across the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear in chronic OME with hearing loss. Why: restores hearing and reduces infections. NICE

4. Ossiculoplasty – Surgical repair/reconstruction of middle-ear bones when malformed or fixed. Why: improve conductive hearing. NIDCD

5. Spine or limb corrective surgery (case-by-case) – For progressive scoliosis or symptomatic synostoses. Why: relieve pain, protect function, or correct deformity after orthopedic evaluation. Monarch Initiative

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Prevention tips

1. Keep scheduled cardiology visits and echos to catch valve changes early. AHA Journals

2. Maintain excellent oral hygiene; coordinate dental procedures with your cardiology team for IE-risk decisions. ADA

3. Stay up-to-date on vaccines (national schedule), which reduces infection-related cardiac stress. AHA Journals

4. Avoid unregulated stem-cell/exosome clinics. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

5. Use hearing protection in loud environments to protect residual hearing. NIDCD

6. Seek early care for ear symptoms (fullness, drainage) to prevent conductive hearing decline. NICE

7. Follow blood-pressure targets if hypertensive. AHA Journals

8. Keep sodium intake moderate if prone to edema (dietitian-guided). AHA Journals

9. Practice fall-safe habits and spine-friendly lifting if vertebral anomalies/scoliosis are present. Monarch Initiative

10. Arrange genetic counseling for family planning and to inform relatives. Orpha.net

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When to see a doctor (right away vs soon)

• Right away / urgent: sudden shortness of breath, fainting, chest pain, fast irregular heartbeat, swelling of legs/abdomen, fever with a new heart murmur (possible endocarditis), or suddenly worse hearing. These can signal decompensated MR, arrhythmia, IE, or acute ear disease. AHA Journals

• Soon (within days): new exercise intolerance, persistent cough at night, progressive ankle swelling, or ear fullness/hearing drop lasting >2–3 weeks. AHA Journals+1

• Routine: scheduled echo/ENT/audiology/orthopedic checks even when you feel well. AHA Journals

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What to eat & what to avoid

• Eat: fruits/vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish (omega-3 sources), nuts/seeds, and yogurt for gut health—balanced to your calorie needs. Why: this pattern supports heart health and reduces infection risks associated with poor nutrition. Office of Dietary Supplements

• Ensure: adequate calcium and vitamin D through diet and, if needed, clinician-guided supplements to support bones in skeletal anomalies. Office of Dietary Supplements

• Limit: excess salt, ultra-processed foods, and large evening meals if you retain fluid—helps manage edema and blood pressure. AHA Journals

• Avoid: smoking and unregulated supplements promising “valve repair” or “stem-cell regeneration.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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FAQs

1. Is this the same as “mitral regurgitation with deafness and skeletal anomalies”?
   Yes. That older description refers to CSCF syndrome, the same entity. Wikipedia

2. What gene is involved?
   MAP3K7 variants are implicated in many cases. Wikipedia

3. How rare is it?
   Extremely rare—only a small number of families reported. Orpha.net

4. Can medicines fix the leaky mitral valve?
   No. Medicines ease symptoms and treat complications; surgery is the definitive fix for significant primary MR. AHA Journals

5. Is hearing loss permanent?
   Conductive hearing loss may improve with treatment of middle-ear disease or surgery; amplification helps most people hear better day-to-day. NIDCD+1

6. Do I need antibiotics before dental work?
   Only if you are in a highest-risk heart category—most people are not. Your cardiologist will decide. ADA

7. Are stem-cell injections a cure?
   No—there’s no FDA-approved stem-cell or exosome therapy for this syndrome; FDA warns against unapproved products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

8. Can exercise make MR worse?
   Appropriate, supervised exercise is encouraged; avoid extremes during decompensation or severe MR awaiting surgery. AHA Journals

9. Why do we repeat echocardiograms?
   Valve leakage and LV size can change over time; timing surgery right improves outcomes. AHA Journals

10. Is Stickler syndrome the same thing?
    No; it’s a different collagen disorder that can share features (hearing, skeletal, MVP) and must be distinguished clinically/genetically. National Organization for Rare Disorders

11. What about otitis media with effusion (“glue ear”)?
    If persistent with hearing loss, tympanostomy tubes help selected children; adults need tailored evaluation. NICE

12. Do omega-3s or magnesium cure heart valve disease?
    No. They may support general cardiovascular health (or BP) but don’t repair a valve. Use only under clinician guidance. Office of Dietary Supplements+1

13. If I need a mechanical valve, will I be on warfarin?
    Yes—mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation; INR monitoring is essential. AHA Journals+1

14. Can this run in families?
    Yes—autosomal-dominant transmission is reported; offer genetic counseling/testing to relatives. Orpha.net

15. Are there clinical trials?
    Trials may exist for valve therapies or hearing technologies—not for curing the gene. Ask your specialists to check registries periodically. AHA Journals

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: November 11, 2025.