12.1 Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is a common phenomenon and may be present to a minimal or mild degree even in normal individuals. In contrast to moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, such mild forms have no hemodynamic impact and do not influence the patient's subsequent condition. At the most, such findings evoke unfounded fear and uncertainty. There are many causes for mitral regurgitation. Echocardiography usually permits the clinician to determine its etiology. In addition, you will be able to quantify its severity, determine the mechanism of regurgitation, and locate its exact origin. All of this information is important for the management of the condition because it enables us to determine whether surgery is required and what surgical (or interventional) approach one should select. These issues will be discussed in the present chapter.