If the posterior mitral leaflet prolapses, the MR jet angle is directed:

If the posterior mitral leaflet prolapses, the MR jet angle is directed:

• A. Anteriorly
• B. Posteriorly
• C. Centrally
• D. Inferiorly

Answer: (A)

Jet direction in mitral regurgitation follows where the leak is in the mitral valve. If the posterior mitral leaflet prolapses, the regurgitant orifice is toward the posterior side, and the flow from the left ventricle into the left atrium tends to propel the jet toward the anterior aspect of the left atrium. So the color Doppler shows an anteriorly directed MR jet. This pattern helps distinguish posterior leaflet disease from anterior leaflet prolapse, which would produce a jet directed posteriorly.

Jet direction in mitral regurgitation follows where the leak is in the mitral valve. If the posterior mitral leaflet prolapses, the regurgitant orifice is toward the posterior side, and the flow from the left ventricle into the left atrium tends to propel the jet toward the anterior aspect of the left atrium. So the color Doppler shows an anteriorly directed MR jet. This pattern helps distinguish posterior leaflet disease from anterior leaflet prolapse, which would produce a jet directed posteriorly.