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Table 51.1

Echocardiography in Valve Disease: Key Information

  • Valve(s) affected and grade of stenosis or regurgitation
  • Left ventricular size and function
  • If there is acute severe aortic regurgitation, evidence of raised left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (early closure of the mitral valve and E deceleration time <150ms)
  • Evidence for aetiology, for example infective endocarditis (Chapter 52), ruptured cord
  • Pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular function
  • Ascending aortic diameter and evidence of abscess or dissection