HEMODYNAMICS OF MITRAL-STENOSIS - A REVIEW

This review discusses the latest developments in the hemodynamics of m itral stenosis. English-language journal articles, reviews, and textbo oks from the clinical, physiology, and engineering literature related to mitral valve stenosis were identified and reviewed. The main conclu sions are: (1) the hemodynamics of mitral stenosis are determined by t he complex anatomical and pathophysiologic features of the valve appar atus, (2) the properties of the left ventricle, atrium, and pulmonary vasculature also have a major impact on the hemodynamic significance a nd the clinical syndrome of mitral stenosis, (3) the valve and the car diac chambers have a functional reserve that become exhausted as the s tenosis worsens and/or the compensatory mechanisms of the chambers fai l, and (4) a careful approach to data acquisition and analysis will le ad to an accurate assessment of the hemodynamics of mitral stenosis be fore and after therapeutic interventions. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.