Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

With valvular stenosis, which statement is correct?

1. peak velocities in mitral stenosis are the same as peak velocities in tricuspid stenosis

2. peak velocities in mitral stenosis are lower than peak velocities in tricuspid stenosis

3. peak velocities in tricuspid stenosis are lower than peak velocities in mitral stenosis

4. peak velocities in both mitral and tricuspid stenosis are equal

The correct answer is: peak velocities in tricuspid stenosis are lower than peak velocities in mitral stenosis

Mitral stenosis typically results in higher peak velocities compared to tricuspid stenosis due to the differences in hemodynamics and the overall pressure gradients across these valves. The left atrium and left ventricle operate under higher pressures than the right heart structures, leading to a more significant pressure gradient during mitral stenosis. In mitral stenosis, the blood flow is impeded from the left atrium into the left ventricle, creating a pronounced pressure difference across the mitral valve that manifests as elevated peak velocities. In contrast, tricuspid stenosis occurs in a lower-pressure system, where the peak velocities observed are generally less due to the smaller pressure gradients involved in the right heart. As such, when comparing the two conditions, peak velocities in tricuspid stenosis will register lower than in mitral stenosis, affirming the correctness of the assertion regarding the relationship between the two. This understanding of hemodynamics is crucial for accurately interpreting echocardiographic findings related to valvular heart disease.