Movement Patterns of Mitral Valve

The left atrium empties into the left ventricle in 2 phases -

a. Passive atrial emptying into the ventricle
b. Active atrial contraction

The passive atrial emptying causes the mitral valve leaflets to open, resulting in the E wave on pulse wave doppler. When the pressure falls, E wave deceleration is noted. Following this, the atrial contraction results in the A wave on pulse wave doppler.

This entire phase of mitral valve movement results in an ‘M’ pattern seen due to anterior mitral valve leaflet motion, and ‘W’ pattern seen due to posterior mitral valve leaflet motion. 








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