Which statement about the mitral valve in rheumatic mitral stenosis is accurate on M-mode?

Which statement about the mitral valve in rheumatic mitral stenosis is accurate on M-mode?

• A. Thickening at the tips and CT level
• B. Thickening at the base only
• C. No changes
• D. Leaflet thickening uniform

Answer: (A)

In rheumatic mitral stenosis, the valve shows characteristic thickening of the leaflets, especially at their tips, with involvement of the chordae tendineae. On M-mode this appears as thickened leaflet tips and chords with reduced excursion, reflecting the inflammatory changes and commissural fusion typical of rheumatic disease. Thickening at the base alone or uniform thickening across the leaflets is not the usual pattern seen; and thinking there are no changes would be incorrect.

In rheumatic mitral stenosis, the valve shows characteristic thickening of the leaflets, especially at their tips, with involvement of the chordae tendineae. On M-mode this appears as thickened leaflet tips and chords with reduced excursion, reflecting the inflammatory changes and commissural fusion typical of rheumatic disease. Thickening at the base alone or uniform thickening across the leaflets is not the usual pattern seen; and thinking there are no changes would be incorrect.