Mitral Valve: Beyond the Basics
Pinpointing Mitral Valve Scallops in Every Echo View
Most sonographers know the mitral valve has two leaflets, but many don’t realize how much detail they can actually see—or how important it is to correctly identify scallops. You capture a flail segment or vegetation, but do you know if it’s A2 or P3? Precise localization isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s essential for guiding cardiologists and surgeons. This guide will break down the mitral valve’s anatomy in the key echocardiographic views, helping you confidently identify leaflets and scallops every time you scan.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) affects approximately 2-3% of the general population, making it one of the most common valvular abnormalities.
Severe MR, if left untreated, increases the risk of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and mortality, with symptomatic patients facing a five-year survival rate as low as 50% without surgical intervention.
Flail leaflet, a severe form of mitral valve prolapse where a leaflet loses its chordal support, is more prevalent among males and younger patients, with mitral chord rupture being the leading cause.