Mild MS mean gradient is defined as which range?

Mild MS mean gradient is defined as which range?

• A. ≤3 mmHg
• B. <5 mmHg
• C. 5-9 mmHg
• D. >10 mmHg

Answer: (B)

Mean gradient across the mitral valve is the average pressure difference between the left atrium and left ventricle during diastole. It rises as the mitral valve becomes more stenotic, so the gradient helps gauge severity. For mitral stenosis, the common staging is mild if the mean gradient is less than 5 mmHg, moderate if it’s about 5–10 mmHg, and severe if it’s greater than 10 mmHg. That’s why the mild category falls under <5 mmHg—the gradient is low because flow across a less-severe obstruction isn’t greatly impeded. Gradients in the 5–9 mmHg range correspond to moderate stenosis, and those above 10 mmHg indicate severe stenosis. A gradient ≤3 mmHg is not the standard upper limit used to define mild stenosis, since many mild cases have gradients up to just under 5 mmHg.

Mean gradient across the mitral valve is the average pressure difference between the left atrium and left ventricle during diastole. It rises as the mitral valve becomes more stenotic, so the gradient helps gauge severity. For mitral stenosis, the common staging is mild if the mean gradient is less than 5 mmHg, moderate if it’s about 5–10 mmHg, and severe if it’s greater than 10 mmHg. That’s why the mild category falls under <5 mmHg—the gradient is low because flow across a less-severe obstruction isn’t greatly impeded. Gradients in the 5–9 mmHg range correspond to moderate stenosis, and those above 10 mmHg indicate severe stenosis. A gradient ≤3 mmHg is not the standard upper limit used to define mild stenosis, since many mild cases have gradients up to just under 5 mmHg.