Mitral regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve does not close completely, allowing blood to leak backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole (contraction). This is one of the most common valvular heart conditions. On echocardiography, mitral regurgitation is detected using color Doppler, which shows a jet of turbulent flow directed from the ventricle back into the atrium. The severity is graded from mild (trace) to severe based on the size and extent of the regurgitant jet, the width of the flow at its origin (vena contracta), and the volume of blood leaking backward. Severe mitral regurgitation can lead to left atrial enlargement, heart failure, and the need for surgical repair or replacement.
Sonography Term