Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT an indication of progression of mitral valve regurgitation?

1. A. left atrial dilation

2. B. decreased D-E amplitude of anterior leaflet

3. C. reduced left ventricular systolic function

4. D. increased EPSS

The correct answer is: B. decreased D-E amplitude of anterior leaflet

Decreased D-E amplitude of the anterior leaflet is indeed not an indication of progression of mitral valve regurgitation. In echocardiography, the D-E amplitude refers to the motion of the mitral valve leaflets. An increase in this amplitude suggests improved leaflet mobility, which is generally seen in patients with less severe regurgitation or when the heart is compensating for the volume overload associated with mitral regurgitation. Therefore, a decrease in D-E amplitude might not correlate with worsening regurgitation but rather with stable or improving valve function. In contrast, left atrial dilation, reduced left ventricular systolic function, and increased EPSS are linked with the progression of mitral regurgitation. Left atrial dilation occurs as a compensatory response to increased volume load over time due to chronic regurgitation. Reduced left ventricular systolic function indicates potential decompensation resulting from chronic volume overload. An increased E-point to septal separation (EPSS) is an echocardiographic measurement that reflects the distance between the E-point of the mitral valve leaflet and the interventricular septum during the left ventricle's early filling phase. An increase in EPSS typically signifies worsening left ventricular performance and can correlate with significant