Which of the following describes a condition where heart valve tissue loses elasticity due to a connective tissue disorder?

Myxomatous degeneration is a condition characterized by the abnormal degeneration of connective tissue within the heart valves, leading to a loss of elasticity and structural integrity. This typically affects the mitral and tricuspid valves, where the fibrous layer becomes thinned and the valve leaflets become more pliable and prone to prolapse. The underlying process involves alterations in the composition of the connective tissue, which can be associated with genetic connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

The loss of elasticity can lead to significant clinical consequences, including valve insufficiency, where the valve fails to close properly, potentially resulting in regurgitation and increased workload on the heart. Understanding this condition is crucial for diagnosing and managing patients, particularly since it can exhibit variable presentations and may occur alongside other cardiac conditions.

In contrast, myocardial infarction refers to the death of heart muscle due to a lack of blood supply, while myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to infection. Myocardial ischemia involves a reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle, typically due to coronary artery disease. None of these conditions specifically involve the loss of elasticity in heart valves as seen in myxomatous degeneration.