Mitral stenosis, in cardiac ultrasound, refers to the narrowing of the mitral valve opening, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This often results from rheumatic fever, leading to increased left atrial pressure and potential pulmonary hypertension. Early diagnosis with medical ultrasound is crucial for managing this progressive condition.
Ultrasound imaging vividly displays the thickened, calcified mitral valve leaflets and reduced valve area. Doppler assessment quantifies the pressure gradient across the valve and assesses the severity of the stenosis, guiding treatment decisions and preventing complications like heart failure or arrhythmias.
