Transient severe reversible functional mitral regurgitation: a three-dimensional transoesophageal perspective

Abstract

Mrs B, a 49-year-old female, was referred to our institution for severe mitral regurgitation. Transthoracic echocardiography showed only a moderate organic mitral regurgitation, but a transient severe reversible functional mitral regurgitation was observed during transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Three-dimensional TEE clearly demonstrated the functional nature of the regurgitation with a transient and sudden tenting of the mitral leaflets with a circular mitral annulus resulting in a total absence of leaflet coaptation. © The Author 2009.