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Observations on Doppler mid-diastolic mitral flow reversal
1Department of Medicine, California College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine.
Summary
Mitral mid-diastolic flow reversal, a common finding in normal subjects, is linked to longer RR intervals and faster early diastolic mitral valve motion. This physiologic flow may result from reflected flow during mitral valve semiclosure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Echocardiography
- Hemodynamics
Background:
- Mitral regurgitation is sometimes observed during diastole in specific cardiac conditions.
- Mitral mid-diastolic flow reversal has been noted in both patients and healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of mitral mid-diastolic flow reversal in normal subjects.
- To determine the characteristics and prevalence of this flow pattern.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed Doppler mitral flow velocity and M-mode echocardiography were used.
- 38 healthy subjects (16-61 years) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- 40% of subjects (15/38) exhibited mid-diastolic flow reversal (>50 msec duration).
- This reversal was associated with longer RR intervals and faster early diastolic mitral valve leaflet deceleration.
- Color Doppler showed flow reversal in the left atrium in all subjects, with greater extension and duration in those with pulsed Doppler-detected reversal.
Conclusions:
- Mitral mid-diastolic flow reversal appears to be a physiologic intravalvular flow phenomenon.
- It may be caused by reflected flow from early diastolic mitral valve semiclosure.