Vena contracta – Cardiology MCQ – Answer

Vena contracta – correct answer

Pick the wrong statement about vena contracta – Correct answer:
4. Vena contracta is measured in a view with the ultrasound beam parallel to the flow
Vena contracta is measured in a view with the ultrasound beam perpendicular to the flow. Parasternal long axis view is used for measurement in case of mitral regurgitation. In this view the ultrasound beam is perpendicular to the mitral regurgitation flow. In certain eccentric mitral regurgitation jets, it may be measured well in the apical four chamber view.
It may be noted that current guidelines of American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Echocardiography suggest that color Doppler jet assessment should be used only for the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation, and not for exact quantification. This is because the color Doppler jet method is not excellent for quantification, though it will not be erroneous at both extremes – in the trivial and severe situations.
A zoomed image visualising the proximal flow convergence, the vena contracta and the downstream flow jet is needed for the measurement. Read more…
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