Echocardiographic pattern of posterior mitral valve leaflet movement after mitral valve repair.

The pattern of movement of the posterior leaflet at the time of opening of the stenosed mitral valve has been described as either anterior or posterior in direction. In 32 patients who underwent mitral annuloplasty, the anatomical features of the mitral apparatus were correlated with the postoperative echocardiographic pattern of movements of the posterior leaflet. Anterior movement of the posterior leaflet was associated with extensive disease of this leaflet, and posterior movement with minimal disease. No relation was found between valve orifice or anterior leaflet mobility and the pattern of movement of the posterior leaflet.