ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the echo assessment of the mitral valve. The causes and clinical features of mitral stenosis and regurgitation are described, and approaches to echo assessment are discussed. The grading of mitral stenosis severity is described with reference to valve area and the supportive indicators of mean gradient and systolic pulmonary artery pressure. The mechanism of mitral regurgitation is described in relation to the Carpentier classification of leaflet motion. The grading of mitral regurgitation severity is described with reference to multiple indicators, including valve morphology, left atrial size, left ventricular size, flow convergence, vena contracta width, jet density, jet area, mitral valve inflow, pulmonary vein systolic flow, regurgitant fraction, regurgitant volume, regurgitant orifice area and proximal isovelocity surface area. Key aspects regarding mitral stenosis and regurgitation management and surveillance are also discussed.
