My Approach to PISA EROA in Mitral Regurgitation: A Critical Review

Abstract

Mitral valve regurgitation is the most common valvular heart disease. In order to guide proper therapy, it is paramount to follow and use the guideline-recommended echocardiographic tools. The flow convergent method, which calculates the effective regurgitant orifice area and the regurgitant volume, plays an important role in the diagnostic workup and is widely used by echocardiographers and sonographers. Only by knowing the correct application and avoiding its pitfalls can we guarantee comprehensive and plausible values. This critical review will show in a step-by-step manner all critical moments by applying the Proximal Isovelocity Surface Area (PISA) and Effective Regurgitant Opening Area (EROA) method.