The Assessment of Mitral Regurgitation
Parameters for Recognizing Severe MR
Overview
The presence of retrograde mitral flow from the left ventricle into the left atrium is a common valvular disease described as mitral regurgitation (MR). This diagnosis affects about 2% of the entire population and has a higher prevalence in patients over 75 years of age. It can be acute or chronic in nature and timing during the cardiac cycle can vary.
Vena contracta, proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA), two-dimensional findings, and Doppler velocities assist in the accurate assessment of significant mitral regurgitation. Case examples and graphics are provided below for a thorough echocardiographic analysis.