echocardiography in mitral regurgitation
Last reviewed 11/2021
- severity of MR: semi-quantitatively assessed with colour flow mapping (by comparison of the turbulent jet with the area of the left atrium in the same image). The disadvantage of this is that regurgitation that is eccentric and directed along the atrial wall can be underestimated compared with a freestanding jet
- duration of MR: timed by colour M-mode echocardiography
- transoesophageal echo: used for studying the detailed structure and function of regurgitant mitral valves in patients being considered for surgical repair eg of rupture of tendinous cords
- can reveal information concerning aetiology of MR: thickened cusps in rheumatic regurgitation; ischaemic valve appears normal; prolapsed cusps are large and thin and prolapse into the left atrium
- assessment of left ventricular function - this affects prognosis