Echocardiography in mitral stenosis correlative study with the operative findings

ABSTRACT

This study included twelve patients with pure mitral stenosis. Apart from full clinical assessment, ECG, phonocardiogram, X-ray chest and heart and echocardiography were done. The twelve patients then underwent closed mitral valvotomy. During surgery the mitral valve area was measured; calcification and/or pericardial effusion were also estimated. These operative data were then compared to the pre-operative echocardiographic data. It was concluded that echocardiography is a sensitive non-invasive technique which confirms the diagnosis of mitral stenosis and grades its severity. It is complementary to the other classical bedside techniques. The echocardiogram is especially useful in detecting small pericardial effusions and in measuring the left atrial size. It can also evaluate the result of surgery and it helps in planning the surgical approach: