ABSTRACT
The diagnosis and management of mitral stenosis (MS) has been revolutionized by the advent of modern echocardiography. Echocardiography is an indispensable component in the assessment of mitral stenosis. While the mechanical obstruction of the left ventricular inflow by thickened, restricted mitral leaflets is easily discerned on two dimensional (2-D) scan, its functional consequences in terms of disturbed flow and elevated pressures are evident on doppler echocardiography. Other features influencing management and natural course of MS, like left atrial thrombus, pulmonary arterial hypertension, left and right ventricular function, co-existing valvular lesions, anatomy of inter-atrial septum, etc. are also comprehensively evaluated on echocardiography. The backbone of a good echocardiographic evaluation of MS remains a thorough 2D scan and a careful doppler assessment, despite advances in echo-technology.
