Doppler Echocardiographic Assessment of Valvular Regurgitation Severity by Measurement of the Vena Contracta: An In Vitro Validation Study

Color Doppler estimates of the VC markedly overestimate regurgitant orifice and true VC. In contrast to the true VC, Doppler measurements are significantly affected by flow rate and by the ultrasound system used. Nevertheless, they allow semiquantitative assessment of valvular regurgitation separating severe from nonsevere regurgitation with acceptable accuracy.