Echocardiography, including 2D, Doppler, TEE, and 3D modalities, is essential for assessing mitral regurgitation severity, valve morphology, and determining optimal surgical timing.
Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography have become the major modalities for the assessment of mitral regurgitation. The combined use of these techniques provides information regarding the morphology of the valvular apparatus as well as the severity of regurgitation. Transesophageal and three-dimensional echocardiography provide a more-detailed evaluation of valve morphology, which can be valuable in determining suitability for valve repair. In patients with severe mitral regurgitation, echocardiographic assessment of ventricular size and function plays a critical role in determining the optimal timing of surgery.
Patel et al. (2000) studied this question.