BACKGROUND: Real time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (Echo) is an innovative technique to assess mitral valve area (MVA) that must be validated in comparison with established MVA calculation techniques. The calculation of valve area by Gorlin's method has been well established and correlates adequately with the true MVA. This study was aimed at comparing MVA obtained by hemodynamic and echocardiographic methods, based on invasive hemodynamic (Gorlin's formula) and 3D Echo parameters after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). METHODS: Prospective study carried out from February 2009 to February 2010, in 24 individuals (22 women, 39 ± 12 years) with symptomatic mitral stenosis undergoing PBMV. 2D and 3D Echo were compared before and after the PBMV, with MVA (3D Echo/invasive measurement) and mitral gradient (max/mean) measurements. RESULTS: Two patients were excluded (one because of a left atrial thrombus and another due to MVA > 1.5 cm²). Mean MVA obtained by the hemodynamic method was 1.73 cm², whereas the mean value obtained by 3D Echo was 1.72 cm². There was a significant correlation between MVA obtained by Gorlin's formula and 3D Echo pre-valvuloplasty (r: 0.7638; P < 0.001) and post-valvuloplasty (r: 0.6659; P < 0.0019). CONCLUSIONS: 3D Echo is an adequate method for the assessment and calculation of MVA before and after PBMV procedures providing accurate values when compared to the established MVA calculation obtained by Gorlin's formula.
Mitral valve stenosis; Balloon dilatation; Echo-cardiography; Three-dimensional echocardiography
