[Mitral stenosis on conventional radiographs. II. The relationship between pulmonary venous and arterial hypertension, their haemodynamic parameters and calcified mitral valves (author's transl)].

In the second paper, the relationship between pulmonary venous and arterial hypertension and calcification in the mitral valve is analysed statistically and its patho-physiological significance discussed. In one hundred cases of mitral stenosis the left atrium, as seen on the lateral projection, was always enlarged, but its size was independant of atrial pressure or the pressure gradient across the mitral valve. Apart from pulmonary fibrosis and haemosiderosis, the abnormal findings increased with increasing mean atrial pressure. Pulmonary-arterial mean pressure of more than 30 mmHg was found particularly in the presence of mitral valve calcification (94%). Calcification of the valve is the most important and reliable indicator for evaluating the severity of the stenosis.