title: Misconceptions and Facts About Mitral Regurgitation.
abstract: Mitral regurgitation is a common heart valve disease. It is defined to be primary when it results from the pathology of the mitral valve apparatus itself and secondary when it is caused by distortion of the architecture or function of the left ventricle. Although the diagnosis and management of mitral regurgitation rely heavily on echocardiography, one should bear in mind the caveats and shortcomings of such an approach. Clinical decision making commonly focuses on the indications for surgery, but it is complex and mandates precise assessment of the mitral pathology, symptom status of the patient, and ventricular performance (right and left) among other descriptors. It is important for healthcare providers at all levels to be familiar with the clinical picture, diagnosis, disease course, and management of mitral regurgitation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mt Sinai St Luke's Hospital, New York, NY. Electronic address: eargulian@chpnet.org.
authors.forename: Edgar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Argulian
authors.affiliation: SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Borer
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mt Sinai St Luke's Hospital, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Franz H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Messerli
mesh_terms: D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D013318:Stroke Volume; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014665:Vasodilator Agents
keywords: Echocardiography; Mitral regurgitation; Vasodilator therapy