Two-Dimensional Color Doppler Estimation of the Severity of Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation: Important Effects of Instrument Gain Setting, Pulse Repetition Frequency, and Carrier Frequency

摘要: Literature reports of good correlation between two-dimensional color Doppler and ventriculography for estimation the severity atrioventricular valve regurgitation have appeared. Local experience has been variable. The purpose this study was to evaluate three factors their effect on display apparent area regurgitant flow. studied were instrument gain setting, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), carrier frequency. Sixteen valves examined with high quality commercial instrumentation from two manufacturers. Electrocardiographic-triggered image gating used recording planimetry maximal imaged flow (IFA). Examinations performed at settings constant PRF, frequencies (2.5, 3.5, 5 MHz) gain, differing PRF (3.0 12 kHz). Reduction in setting made little difference asthetic jets, but areas decreased by 29%. Carrier found greatly affect IFA, each higher giving significantly smaller IFAs. also affected IFA consistently, progressively IFAs PRF. There no useful a single jet evaluated instruments generally similar settings. It is concluded that affects size within different instruments. Given variety employed cardiology community, it unlikely even moderately accurate grading based can be done unless are specified standardized. clear need annotation during examinations concensus regarding "optimal" Finally, consistency reduction increasing tested suggests investigation "normalization" displays.