On two-dimensional imaging, what is a typical finding for mitral stenosis?

On two-dimensional imaging, what is a typical finding for mitral stenosis?

• A. Thickened MV leaflets
• B. Prolapsed MV
• C. Normal MV
• D. Calcified MV

Answer: (A)

Mitral stenosis on two-dimensional echocardiography is most clearly demonstrated by thickened and stiff mitral valve leaflets due to rheumatic involvement, often with restricted leaflet motion and possible commissural fusion. This thickening narrows the orifice, which is the defining feature of stenosis and is what you see clearly on standard 2D views. Mitral valve prolapse would show leaflets that billow back into the left atrium during systole, leading to regurgitation rather than stenosis, so it isn’t the finding you’d expect with mitral stenosis. A normal mitral valve would not show narrowing. Calcification can occur in advanced disease, but the foundational 2D finding you look for first is thickened leaflets.

Mitral stenosis on two-dimensional echocardiography is most clearly demonstrated by thickened and stiff mitral valve leaflets due to rheumatic involvement, often with restricted leaflet motion and possible commissural fusion. This thickening narrows the orifice, which is the defining feature of stenosis and is what you see clearly on standard 2D views.

Mitral valve prolapse would show leaflets that billow back into the left atrium during systole, leading to regurgitation rather than stenosis, so it isn’t the finding you’d expect with mitral stenosis. A normal mitral valve would not show narrowing. Calcification can occur in advanced disease, but the foundational 2D finding you look for first is thickened leaflets.