Severe MS (MVA) is defined as MVA less than which value?

Severe MS (MVA) is defined as MVA less than which value?

• A. 1.0-1.5 cm2
• B. >1.5 cm2
• C. 0.5-0.9 cm2
• D. <1.0 cm2

Answer: (D)

Mitral valve area (MVA) is used to gauge how severely the valve is narrowed. The classification divides severity by the area: mild is typically >1.5 cm^2, moderate is about 1.0–1.5 cm^2, and severe is defined as an MVA less than 1.0 cm^2. So the defining threshold for severe mitral stenosis is MVA < 1.0 cm^2. The other ranges describe either milder disease or a subset of the severe range, but they don’t establish the universal cut-off. In practice, MVA can be measured by planimetry on 2D imaging or estimated by Doppler methods like the pressure half-time, each with its own potential measurement limitations.

Mitral valve area (MVA) is used to gauge how severely the valve is narrowed. The classification divides severity by the area: mild is typically >1.5 cm^2, moderate is about 1.0–1.5 cm^2, and severe is defined as an MVA less than 1.0 cm^2. So the defining threshold for severe mitral stenosis is MVA < 1.0 cm^2. The other ranges describe either milder disease or a subset of the severe range, but they don’t establish the universal cut-off. In practice, MVA can be measured by planimetry on 2D imaging or estimated by Doppler methods like the pressure half-time, each with its own potential measurement limitations.