investigations

Last reviewed 01/2018

A summary of investigative findings is presented below. More details about findings in mitral stenosis is available from the menu entries.

  • CXR:
    • left atrial enlargement
    • pulmonary congestion with increased pulmonary vascular shadows and Kerly B lines

  • ECG:
    • p-mitrale
    • atrial fibrillation in 60-70% of patients

  • echocardiography allows diagnosis and assessment of severity

  • cardiac catheterization:
    • quantifies the gradient across the mitral valve
    • permits measurement of cardiac output and right heart pressures
    • severe stenosis is indicated by a gradient of more than 10 mmHg across the stenotic valve