Echocardiographic follow-up in patients with mild to moderate mitral stenosis: is a yearly examination justified?

Am J Cardiol. 1996 Dec 15;78(12):1450-2. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(97)89300-9.

Abstract

The result of this study showed that echocardiographic and Doppler parameters in patients with mild to moderate mitral stenosis did not undergo any major changes over a relatively long observation period, reflecting the substantial stability of the valve disease process. Thus, unless such patients experience clinical deterioration, a yearly echocardiographic examination appears to be unjustified.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Disease Progression
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve Stenosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Physical Examination*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors