Understanding the mechanism of mitral regurgitation in heart failure

Abstract:

Mitral regurgitation is a valvular disease in which there is a return of blood volume from the left ventricular cavity to the left atrial cavity and according to the etiology can be divided into: primary (mitral leaflet disease), secondary (usually left ventricular disease) and mixed etiology. The incidence of mitral regurgitation is constantly increasing, which is why it is crucial to define the etiology and assess the severity of the disease for the purpose of effective treatment. Pathophysiologically, this is a typical left ventricular volume overload that can progress over time to overt heart failure. Echocardiography is the basis for diagnosis, assessment of the mechanism of disease and quantification of the severity of mitral regurgitation. Advances in cardiac imaging methods, primarily three-dimensional and functional echocardiography, have led to the correct and accurate identification of patients who require modern surgical and percutaneous methods of treating mitral regurgitation and improving patient outcomes.

Key words:
echocardiography; mechanism; mitral regurgitation; pathophysiology