Severe MS mean gradient falls in which range?

Severe MS mean gradient falls in which range?

• A. 3-8 mmHg
• B. 8-10 mmHg
• C. 10-12 mmHg
• D. >10 mmHg

Answer: (D)

Severe mitral stenosis shows a high pressure difference across the mitral valve because the narrowed opening creates a bigger obstacle to flow during diastole. The mean gradient across the mitral valve reflects that obstruction. Clinically, mean gradients are used to gauge severity: roughly <5 mmHg is mild, about 5–10 mmHg is moderate, and greater than 10 mmHg indicates severe stenosis. Therefore, the range that defines severe MS is a mean gradient greater than 10 mmHg. Keep in mind the gradient can be influenced by flow and heart rate; very high gradients can occur with high-output states, while low-flow states may lower the gradient even with significant stenosis.

Severe mitral stenosis shows a high pressure difference across the mitral valve because the narrowed opening creates a bigger obstacle to flow during diastole. The mean gradient across the mitral valve reflects that obstruction. Clinically, mean gradients are used to gauge severity: roughly <5 mmHg is mild, about 5–10 mmHg is moderate, and greater than 10 mmHg indicates severe stenosis. Therefore, the range that defines severe MS is a mean gradient greater than 10 mmHg. Keep in mind the gradient can be influenced by flow and heart rate; very high gradients can occur with high-output states, while low-flow states may lower the gradient even with significant stenosis.