Proximal flow convergence method in the assessment of mitral stenosis.

: Mitral valve area (MVA) was calculated using the proximal flow convergence method in 60 patients with severe mitral stenosis. Using the apical 4 chamber view, colour Doppler was used to measure the peak forward flow rate. From this, the mitral valve area was calculated according to the formula: mitral valve area = peak forward flow rate/peak mitral velocity. This method compared well with the established 2D planimetry derived valve area (r = 0.89) and Doppler pressure half time method (r = 0.88). Hence, this can be used as an alternative method to estimate the valve area in patients with mitral stenosis.