EchoBridge Pearl #20: B-Mode Valve Assessment

Brightness mode (B-mode) imaging is the first step in evaluating cardiac valves. A simple framework is to systematically assess three key features:

1. Excursion – How well do the valve leaflets open?

2. Coaptation – How well do the leaflets come together when closed?

3. Masses – Are vegetations, thrombi, tumors, or other abnormal structures present?

Applying the same three-step approach to every valve helps ensure a complete and consistent examination.

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