[Comparison of echo 2D and echo Doppler in the evaluation of the mitral valve area]

The aim of the study was to compare the degree of accuracy achieved using 2D ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasonography in measuring the mitral valve area. The complementary role of the two methods of diagnosing mitral stenosis and of assessing the severity of valvular involvement emerges from a broad review of the literature. However, in comparison to the two-dimensional technique, Doppler ultrasonography gives a greater mathematical precision and is more reproducible. Doppler ultrasonography enables the pulsatile flow to be registered, while 2D ultrasonography gives a morphological image of the valvular anatomy. "Net" surface values which are closer to real values and usually lower than those obtained using 2D ultrasonography can be deduced from the assessment of the transvalvular pressure gradient.