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Cardiac catheterization for mitral valve stenosis

Your doctor probably will not recommend a cardiac catheterization to diagnose mitral valve stenosis. The test is invasive and carries some risks. An echocardiogram is usually sufficient.

However, your doctor may use cardiac catheterization to:

Diagnose mitral valve stenosis when an echocardiogram and other clinical evidence do not clearly establish whether you have the condition.
Evaluate the severity of your mitral valve stenosis before deciding between valve replacement surgery or a valve repair commissurotomy.
Evaluate your coronary arteries before valve replacement surgery if you have or are at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Last Updated	March 18, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 18, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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