Two-Dimensional Echocardiographic Assessment of Normal Mitral Leaflet Motion

Abstract

Measurement of quantitative data from the time-motion echocardiogram of the mitral valve is often difficult. One-dimensional echo beams usually intercept the anterior mitral leaflet in a variety of places during the cardiac cycle and, most likely, do not accurately reflect the total motion of the entirety of the leaflet. Changes in the geometric configuration of the anterior mitral leaflet and its cyclic spatial relationships to the mitral ring were studied in twenty normal volunteers using a real time, two-dimensional, phased array imaging system. All patients were in normal sinus rhythm and were studied at rest. Breath was held at end expiration. Scans were obtained through both the long and short axes of the mitral valve.