The Value of Bidimensional Echocardiography in the Preoperative Evaluation of the Anatomy of the Mitral Valve

Summary

In order to determine the value of bidimensional echocardiography in identifying the specific anatomic lesions associated with mitral valve dysfunction, the operative findings were compared with the echo images in 50 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery.

Annular düatation, prolapse of the leaflets, calcifications, fusion of the commissures or of the subvalvular apparatus, leading to restricted leaflet motion, and pedunculated vegetations were detected preoperatively by the echo study. Perforations, on the other hand, were not recognized.

In the majority of the patients the feasibility of reconstructive surgery could be anticipated.

Key words

Mitral valve - Two-dimensional echocardiography - Reconstructive mitral valve surgery