Detection of mitral ring abscess by two-dimensional echocardiography.

M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiographic features of mitral ring abscess are described. A round, dense echo mass between the posterior mitral leaflet and left ventricular posterior wall was demonstrated in long- and short-axis views of the left ventricle. The diagnosis of mitral ring abscess was confirmed at surgery. The superiority of two-dimensional echocardiography over M-mode echocardiography for evaluating patients with mitral ring abscess is also discussed.