This echocardiogram clearly shows the markedly dilated left ventricle, the dilated left atrium, the aortic root, the right ventricle and the mitral and aortic valves are also well seen. In the real-time study that follows, note the markedly hypokinetic left ventricle with a severely depressed ejection fraction. Note also the reduced excursion of the mitral valve leaflets. The aortic valve is slightly thickened, but the leaflets are mobile.
Colorized apical 4-chamber
This is a diastolic still-frame of the colorized apical 4-chamber view that clearly shows four-chamber dilatation. The pulmonary veins are also clearly seen. Color enhances the visual identification of the endocardial surfaces. In the real-time study that follows, note the severely hypokinetic left ventricle. Right ventricular contractility is also decreased.
MR - color flow
This is a systolic still-frame of a color flow Doppler image from the apical 4-chamber view that demonstrates mitral regurgitation. Only the left ventricle and left atrium are shown. The cyan mosaic color pattern represents the regurgitant jet located in the left atrium from the mitral leaflet extending to the posterior wall. In the real-time study that follows, this jet is well seen and moves posteriorly to the left atrial wall during systole. It fills approximately one-third of the left atrium. During diastole, filling of the left ventricle is represented by the red color.