title: [Quantification of valvular regurgitation by the convergence zone method].
abstract: The convergence zone method is currently used routinely to quantify valvular regurgitation, particularly mitral insufficiency, but also aortic and tricuspid regurgitation. It is quick to perform, requires relatively little training and remains valid in the presence of atrial fibrillation and in the association of regurgitation-stenosis. It relies on the measurement of output at the level of an isovelocity hemisphere and allows calculation of the regurgitant orifice surface (SOR) and the regurgitant volume per beat (VR). It is reserved for severe regurgitation corresponding to angiographic grade 4: SOR > 40 mm2 and VR > 60 ml for mitral insufficiency, SOR > 30 mm2 and VR > 60 ml for aortic insufficiency, and SOR > 40 mm2 and VR > 40 ml for tricuspid insufficiency.
authors.affiliation: Service de cardiologie B, centre hospitalier, avenue René Laennec, 80054 Amiens.
authors.forename: Ch
authors.initials: Ch
authors.lastname: Tribouilloy
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gallet
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Abergel
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Avierinos
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*