Mitral Valve Stenosis : Diagnosis

How to Diagnose Mitral Valve Stenosis

The diagnosis of Mitral Valve Stenosis can be suspected by a couple of studies:

• Electrocardiogram or EKG : In the this study a doctor may see atrial fibrillation or/and possibly enlargement of the left or right atrium. 
• Chest x-ray :  A chest could detect an enlarged left atrium without an enlarged left ventricle, enlargement of the pulmonary arteries, or pulmonary edema because of congestive heart failure.

The above studies are commonly obtained as part of the effort as to trying to sort out the patients symptoms and are routinely done in patients who have cardiac symptoms.  

The diagnosis of Mitral Valve Stenosis is can be commonly made by performing an ECHOCARDIOGRAM.  An echocardiogram is an ultrasound study of the heart.  With it we can examine the heart valves and heart chambers. The echocardiogram helps establishing the severity of mitral valve stenosis, are there any other valves are affected, and helps guide as to what is the best therapy. 


Keep in mind all of these studies may not be conclusive and results can vary depending on a number of factors. 

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