Mitral regurgitation - acute
Alternative Names
Mitral insufficiency; Acute mitral regurgitationSymptoms
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath that increases when lying flat (orthopnea)
- Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
- Chest pain -- unrelated to coronary artery disease or a heart attack
- Cough
Exams and Tests
Palpation may show thrill (vibration) over the heart. A stethoscope may reveal a distinctive murmur in the heart. However, this murmur may be absent in some cases of acute mitral regurgitation. If fluid backs up into the lungs, there may be crackles heard in the lungs. An extra heart sound (S4 gallop) may also be heard.
Blood pressure is usually normal.
The following tests may be performed:
- Echocardiogram
- Color flow Doppler exam
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
- Cardiac catheterization
- Chest x-ray - may also show fluid in the lungs or prominent pulmonary veins.
- Swan-Ganz (right heart catheterization) - may show high left atrial pressure.
- ECG - usually shows a normal sinus rhythm but may show arrhythmias
- Chest MRI scan
- Radionuclide scans
- CT scan of the chest
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.