Proximal flow convergence method in the assessment of mitral stenosis

Mitral valve area (MVA) was calculated using the proximal flow convergence method in 60 patients with severe mitral stenosis. Using the apical 4 chamber view, colour Doppler was used to measure the peak forward flow rate. From this, the mitral valve area was calculated according to the formula: mitral valve area = peak forward flow rate/peak mitral velocity. This method compared well with the established 2D planimetry derived valve area (r = 0.89) and Doppler pressure half time method (r = 0.88). Hence, this can be used as an alternative method to estimate the valve area in patients with mitral stenosis.