C. Tribouilloy et M. Enriquez-sarano, Operative criteria of regurgitant chronic valvular disease of the left heart: The role of echocardiography, ARCH MAL C, 94, 2001, pp. 9-17
Doppler echocardiography is the key investigation of left heart valvular re
gurgitation. The anatomy of the valves, the mechanism and aetiology of the
lesions and the severity and consequences on the cardiac chambers and pulmo
nary pressures may be determined.
In recent years, surgical indications have changed, with earlier interventi
on in severe, chronic mitral and aortic regurgitation. These indications ar
e based to a large extent on echocardiographic criteria. Echocardiography i
s therefore at the centre of strategic discussion of the management of valv
ular heart disease as it provides a number of criteria which influence the
decision and operative date and which will be discussed in this article.