Posterior leaflet of mitral valve—Is it really tri-scalloped? —A morphological and morphometric study in North Indian cadaveric hearts

Background: Maintaining normal left ventricular geometry and function depends on the mitral valve's normal integrity. Irreparable damage to the mitral valve calls for its replacement using either a valve made up of biological tissue or metal, pyrolytic carbon, and similar materials. Materials and Methods: The material consists of 50 formalin-fixed adults, seemingly normal cadaveric hearts of either sex which were received from the Department of Anatomy of various institutes in the north region. These hearts were cut open to access the mitral valve in the left ventricle. Results: In this study, the posterior leaflet was semi-oval in shape being 3.72 cm wide at the base. Usually said to be tri-scalloped, interestingly, it was found so only in 56% of the hearts; being bi-scalloped in 20% and single-cusped in 16% of the hearts. Even four scallops and six scallops were observed in three (6%) and one (2%) hearts, respectively. Conclusions: To conclude, notable variation has been seen in the scallops of posterolateral cusps in the present study. The number of scallops varies greatly as single, double, three, four, or tetra-scalloped and most significant six or hexa-scalloped which has never been reported in the previous studies. To understand the rationale behind each unique architectural layout, such noticeable variations are crucial for scientists around the world. Cardiothoracic surgeons could find this information valuable for mitral valve surgery repair.