A vena contracta width greater than which measurement is considered abnormal in mitral regurgitation?

A vena contracta width greater than which measurement is considered abnormal in mitral regurgitation?

• A. >7 mm
• B. >3 mm
• C. >10 mm
• D. >1 mm

Answer: (A)

Vena contracta width is used to gauge how large the regurgitant orifice is in mitral regurgitation. You measure the narrowest part of the jet right after it leaves the mitral valve, in a view where the jet crosses the beam perpendicularly, and during systole when regurgitation occurs. Interpretation of the measurements follows a simple grading: a width less than about 3 mm is mild MR, 3–7 mm is moderate MR, and a width of 7 mm or more indicates severe MR. Therefore, a vena contracta width greater than 7 mm signifies severe, clinically significant MR. Keep in mind that the measurement works best when the jet is perpendicular to the ultrasound beam, and eccentric jets can complicate assessment—supplementary methods like vena contracta area or PISA can help in those cases.

Vena contracta width is used to gauge how large the regurgitant orifice is in mitral regurgitation. You measure the narrowest part of the jet right after it leaves the mitral valve, in a view where the jet crosses the beam perpendicularly, and during systole when regurgitation occurs.

Interpretation of the measurements follows a simple grading: a width less than about 3 mm is mild MR, 3–7 mm is moderate MR, and a width of 7 mm or more indicates severe MR. Therefore, a vena contracta width greater than 7 mm signifies severe, clinically significant MR.

Keep in mind that the measurement works best when the jet is perpendicular to the ultrasound beam, and eccentric jets can complicate assessment—supplementary methods like vena contracta area or PISA can help in those cases.