Since Forssmann´s first introduction of right heart catheterization in 1929, we have known many things as to the pathophysiologic and hemodynamic, state of the heart and lung in mitral stenosis.
The objectives were 44 patients in whom right heart catheterization was done at Seoul National University Hospital from 1968 to 1975.
The author tried to find relationship between the intracardiac pressure and the clinical findings. Following results were obtained.
1. In mitral stenosis, intracardiac pressure was elevated as the functional capacity decreased.
2. In patients with symptoms and/or signs of cardiac failure the pressure was elevated, Particularly in patients with neck vein engorgement the pressure was the highest.
3. The patient´s with electrocardiographic findings of RAD or RVH showed significant pressure elevation while those with atrial fibrillation or LAH didn´t.
4. The pressure elevation was related to the degree of cardiomegaly, pulmonary conus protrusion, or vascular redistribution in chest X-ray. Also the pressure was elevated in patients with RVE or hemosiderosis but the presence of LAE did´nt have regular correlation with the pressure.
5. Mitral valve opening area decreased as the patient´s functional capacity decreased, The pressure was elevated as the valve area decreased. The pressure was also significantly elevated in the pre sence of valve calcification.
Close correlation was noticed between the patient´s clinical and laboratory findings and the intracardiac pressure. The clinical and laboratory findings may be of some help in predicting the pressure when catheterization´ data is not available.
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