Assessment of the Severity of Native Mitral Valve Regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. MR is classified as primary (organic) if it is due to an intrinsic valve abnormality, or secondary (functional) if the etiology is because of remodeling of left ventricular geometry and/or valve annulus. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the initial modality for MR evaluation. Parameters used for the assessment of MR include valve structure, cardiac remodeling, and color and spectral Doppler. Quantitative measurements include effective regurgitant orifice area, regurgitant volume, and regurgitant fraction.
Source: Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research