Misconceptions and Facts about Mitral Regurgitation

• Published in: The American journal of medicine Vol. 129; no. 9; pp. 919 - 923
• Main Authors: Argulian, Edgar, MD, MPH, Borer, Jeffrey S., MD, Messerli, Franz H., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2016; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Cardiovascular disease; Disease management; Echocardiography; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medical diagnosis; Mitral regurgitation; Mitral Valve - surgery; Mitral Valve Insufficiency - diagnosis; Mitral Valve Insufficiency - diagnostic imaging; Mitral Valve Insufficiency - therapy; Stroke Volume; Ultrasonic imaging; Vasodilator Agents - therapeutic use; Vasodilator therapy; mitral regurgitation; vasodilator therapy; echocardiography; Mitral regurgitation; Echocardiography; Vasodilator therapy
• ISSN: 0002-9343; 1555-7162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.03.010

Abstract Mitral regurgitation is a common heart valve disease. It is defined to be primary when it results from the pathology of the mitral valve apparatus itself and secondary when it is caused by distortion of the architecture and/or function of the left ventricle. While the diagnosis and management of mitral regurgitation relies heavily on echocardiography one should bear in mind the caveats and shortcomings of such an approach. Clinical decision making commonly focuses on the indications for surgery but it is complex and mandates precise assessment of the mitral pathology, symptom status of the patient, and ventricular performance (right and left) among other descriptors. It is important for healthcare providers at all levels to be familiar with the clinical picture, diagnosis, disease course and management of mitral regurgitation.