Central MR jet angle is most consistent with prolapse of which leaflets?

Central MR jet angle is most consistent with prolapse of which leaflets?

• A. Anterior leaflet prolapse
• B. Posterior leaflet prolapse
• C. Both leaflets prolapse
• D. No prolapse

Answer: (C)

The jet direction in mitral regurgitation mirrors where the regurgitant orifice is located on the valve. When both leaflets prolapse, there are central sources of leakage, so the resulting jets tend to come from a central location and merge into a central, well-centered jet in the left atrium. If only one leaflet prolapses, the regurgitant orifice is off-center, producing an eccentric jet directed toward the wall opposite the prolapsing leaflet. So a central MR jet angle is most consistent with prolapse of both leaflets.

The jet direction in mitral regurgitation mirrors where the regurgitant orifice is located on the valve. When both leaflets prolapse, there are central sources of leakage, so the resulting jets tend to come from a central location and merge into a central, well-centered jet in the left atrium. If only one leaflet prolapses, the regurgitant orifice is off-center, producing an eccentric jet directed toward the wall opposite the prolapsing leaflet. So a central MR jet angle is most consistent with prolapse of both leaflets.