Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of mitral stenosis.

In mitral stenosis, both the pressure gradient and the valve area can be obtained noninvasively, and the effects of changes in heart rate with exercise and of medications on the pressure gradient can be readily assessed. When the appearance of the valve, the subvalvular apparatus, and chamber sizes obtained with imaging and the assessment of associated regurgitations and pulmonary hypertension by Doppler are added, this becomes a powerful tool for assessment of patients with mitral stenosis. On follow-up studies, disease progression and complications, as well as the effect of medical and surgical interventions, can be monitored.