[Anatomical and functional assessment of mitral stenosis using echocardiography before and after commissurotomy].

In 36 patients with pure mitral stenosis verified during catheterization and operation the results of echocardiography were compared with the operative findings. The changes in the mitral echogram and the degree of valve calcification before commissurotomy were studied. The hemodynamic changes in pulmonary circulation were approximately appraised by determining the degree of delay of the EF interval on the echogram of the anterior cusp of the mitral valve. Significant conformity between the dimished rate of diastolic movement of the anterior mitral cusp and the degree of mitral stenosis was established. The importance of the advancement of the posterior mitral cusp to the front of the horizontal line passing through point C of mitral valve closure in the appraisal of the degree of its stenosis is underscored.