Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Which echocardiographic sign is indicative of significant mitral valve regurgitation?

1. Diastolic mitral inflow pattern

2. Color Doppler jet width

3. Interventricular septal motion

4. Aortic valve opening

The correct answer is: Color Doppler jet width

Significant mitral valve regurgitation is assessed using various echocardiographic parameters, and one of the most reliable indicators is the width of the color Doppler jet. In cases of significant regurgitation, the color Doppler will reveal a larger and more extensive jet of turbulent flow back into the left atrium during diastole. The width of this jet can be quantitatively measured, providing insight into the severity of the regurgitation. An increased width of the color Doppler jet signifies that a greater volume of blood is regurgitating backward across the mitral valve, indicating a more severe condition. Additionally, Doppler imaging helps assess the flow dynamics, which is crucial for determining the clinical significance of the regurgitation. Other features such as the diastolic mitral inflow pattern can reflect changes due to volume overload or function of the heart but are less specific for the degree of regurgitation. Interventricular septal motion can indicate issues related to pressure overload but does not directly assess the severity of mitral regurgitation. The aortic valve opening, while important in evaluating aortic valve function, does not have a direct relationship with mitral regurgitation. Overall, the use of the color Dop