How to: Quantitative Analysis in a Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

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Figure 10. Color Doppler apical 3-chambers
Figure 10. Color Doppler apical 3-chambers
Figure 11. Color M-mode apical 4-chambers, mitral flow
Figure 11. Color M-mode apical 4-chambers, mitral flow

Semi-quantitative evaluation of mitral regurgitation.
Figure 10 shows the measurement of the Regurgitant Orifice (white line) and of the Vena Contracta (red line). Both are 6.5 mm. However, the Vena Contracta should not be confused with the Regurgitant Orifice (see here). This should be stressed, since the recent ESC-EACVI Recommendations on valve regurgitation seem to confuse them (see Figures 31-32 of the same document). Thus the Vena Contracta points to moderate regurgitation.
The color M-mode analysis (Figure 11) shows a holo-systolic (between the white arrows) duration of mitral regurgitation. Compare to a case with early systolic mitral regurgitation.

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