Recommendations for the echocardiographic assessment of native valvular regurgitation: an executive summary from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2013 Jul;14(7):611-44. doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jet105. Epub 2013 Jun 3.

Abstract

Valvular regurgitation represents an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography has become the primary non-invasive imaging method for the evaluation of valvular regurgitation. The echocardiographic assessment of valvular regurgitation should integrate the quantification of the regurgitation, assessment of the valve anatomy and function, as well as the consequences of valvular disease on cardiac chambers. In clinical practice, the management of patients with valvular regurgitation thus largely integrates the results of echocardiography. It is crucial to provide standards that aim at establishing a baseline list of measurements to be performed when assessing regurgitation.

Keywords: Aortic valve; Echocardiography; Mitral valve; Pulmonary valve; Recommendations; Tricuspid valve; Valvular regurgitation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques / standards
  • Echocardiography / standards
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color / standards*
  • Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / standards*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / standards*
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic / standards*
  • Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Societies, Medical / standards
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging