EVALUATING RIGHT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN ATHLETIC PATIENTS WITH MILD MITRAL STENOSIS: INSIGHTS FROM DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Abstract

Background: Mitral stenosis, characterized by the narrowing of the mitral valve, significantly impacts myocardial diastolic and systolic functions, particularly affecting ventricular performance. In the athletic population, where optimal cardiac function is paramount, understanding the implications of mild mitral stenosis on right ventricular function is crucial. Color Doppler ultrasound is a principal diagnostic tool employed to assess cardiac function in patients with this condition. Aims: This study aims to explore the application value of Doppler echocardiography in evaluating the systolic and diastolic functions of the right ventricle in patients with mild mitral stenosis, with an emphasis on those maintaining an active or athletic lifestyle. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis on clinical data from 45 patients diagnosed with mild mitral stenosis and treated in our institution from January 2020 to January 2022. These patients formed the experimental group. A comparison group consisted of 45 patients treated for aortic insufficiency during the same period. We assessed the systolic and diastolic functions of the right ventricle in both groups, analyzing variables such as mitral orifice area, right ventricular ejection fraction, and dimensions of the right ventricle. Results: The experimental group showed significantly reduced mitral orifice area, right ventricular ejection fraction, internal diameter, septal end-diastolic thickness, and anterior-posterior diameter compared to the comparison group, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Notably, volumes in the right ventricular inflow and outflow tracts, as well as local end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, demonstrated significant differences. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for mild mitral stenosis were higher in the experimental group, correlating with a lower misdiagnosis rate compared to the comparison group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Doppler echocardiography proves to be a simple, non-invasive, and highly accurate method for evaluating right ventricular function in patients with mild mitral stenosis. This study underscores its clinical relevance, especially for athletic patients, offering crucial insights for early risk assessment and prognosis, thereby enabling timely interventions and management strategies to maintain cardiovascular health and athletic performance.