Abstract Mitral stenosis (MS) is the main clinical expression of chronic rheumatic heart disease. In symptomatic patients with severe MS and favorable anatomy, percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) is the first-line therapeutic strategy. For the proper selection of candidates, the Wilkins-Block echocardiographic score was developed to characterize mitral valve morphology and predict eligibility for the procedure. This score includes four structural domains: leaflet mobility, valve thickening, degree of calcification, and subvalvular apparatus involvement, grading each parameter from 1 to 4 […]

Introduction Lutembacher syndrome (LS) is defined by the simultaneous presence of an atrial septal defect (ASD) and mitral stenosis (MS). Although it is a rare condition, its clinical significance lies in the considerable hemodynamic impact and the potential for early progression to irreversible pulmonary hypertension (PH). The exact prevalence of LS remains unknown. However, for estimation purposes, MS is considered the most frequent manifestation of rheumatic fever (RF) in young women, and the prevalence of RF in developing countries ranges […]

Abstract Three-dimensional echocardiography has become an essential tool in the assessment of mitral stenosis, allowing detailed anatomical analyses and reliable measurements, even in complex anatomies or extensive calcification. Based on daily clinical experience in an imaging laboratory, this article offers a practical guide for image acquisition and optimization, multiplanar reconstruction, and three-dimensional planimetry, focusing on technical adjustments, the use of tools such as rotation and cropping, and strategies for integrating the method into the routine workflow of cardiovascular imaging centers.

A 29-year-old woman who was previously diagnosed with Ebstein’s anomaly was referred for magnetic resonance imaging of the heart due to progressively worsening dyspnea on exertion. Cardiac magnetic resonance images (Siemens Essenza 1.5T) showed right atrial dilation and low insertion of the tricuspid valve septal leaflet. The patient also presented with increased left ventricular trabeculation characteristic of noncompaction cardiomyopathy and signs of posterior mitral leaflet restriction secondary to probable rheumatic valvular disease. […]

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