with valvular heart diseases. Keywords: echocardiography, valvular heart disease (VHD), mitral regurgitation, plausibility, hemodynamic

The echocardiographic assessment of valvular heart diseases is the basic analysis of valvular defects next to clinical investigation and stethoscopy. Severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) is usually estimated by an integrated approach using semi quantitative parameters and is still one of the biggest challenges of echocardiography. Quantitative echocardiographic analysis of MR severity often fails to describe comprehensible hemodynamic conditions. However, comprehensive echocardiography based on standardized image acquisition and proper image quality is required to properly assess hemodynamic parameter comparable to cardiac magnetic resonance tomography. This review focuses on the uncertainty of MR severity assessed by echocardiography in recent trials of interventional MR treatment. In addition, the necessity to provide plausible echocardiographic data for individual decision making is highlighted. In conclusion, plausible functional diagnostics by rational echocardiography is a prerequisite in patients with valvular heart diseases.

Automated summary

Acute heart failure is commonly seen in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute ischemic myocarditis, presenting with symptoms such as dyspnea, pulmonary rales, and agitation. Treatment should involve prompt administration of diuretics and vasodilators to alleviate symptoms.