Which statement best describes the relationship between central MR jet angle and two-leaflet prolapse?

Which statement best describes the relationship between central MR jet angle and two-leaflet prolapse?

• A. Posterior leaflet prolapse
• B. Anterior leaflet prolapse
• C. No prolapse
• D. Both leaflets prolapse

Answer: (C)

Central MR jet direction reflects where the regurgitant orifice lies and the mechanism of leakage. A central jet angle points to a central regurgitant orifice, which is typical when MR is due to annular dilation or diffuse, non-prolapse–related coaptation issues rather than when one or both leaflets are prolapsing. If both leaflets were prolapsing, the regurgitant orifice would more often be off-center, producing an eccentric jet directed toward the atrial wall opposite the prolapsed tissue. So a central jet angle is not consistent with two-leaflet prolapse, making the best description that there is no prolapse.

Central MR jet direction reflects where the regurgitant orifice lies and the mechanism of leakage. A central jet angle points to a central regurgitant orifice, which is typical when MR is due to annular dilation or diffuse, non-prolapse–related coaptation issues rather than when one or both leaflets are prolapsing. If both leaflets were prolapsing, the regurgitant orifice would more often be off-center, producing an eccentric jet directed toward the atrial wall opposite the prolapsed tissue. So a central jet angle is not consistent with two-leaflet prolapse, making the best description that there is no prolapse.