Multiple and mixed valvular heart disease

Abstract

Multiple and mixed valvular heart disease are highly prevalent. Multiple valvular heart disease is the combination of stenotic and/or regurgitant lesions occurring on two or more cardiac valves. Mixed valvular heart disease is the combination of stenotic and regurgitant lesions on the same valve. Several haemodynamic interactions may impact their clinical expression and may result in diagnostic pitfalls. Accurate quantification of the valve lesions requires the use of methods that are less dependent on loading conditions, such as planimetry for stenotic lesions, and assessment of the effective regurgitant orifice area and vena contracta for regurgitant lesions. The assessment should address the diagnosis and severity of each single valve lesion as well as the overall consequences resulting from the combination of all lesions. Clinical decision-making should be based on an integrative approach including echocardiography and other imaging modalities.