"Left Heart" Radiopotassium Dilution Curves in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Valvular Disease

Abstract

"Left heart" radiopotassium-dilution curves were carried out in 9 patients with rheumatic mitral valvular disease. From the curves, blood flow, circulation times, and "left heart" and aortic volumes were calculated. When this technic is used along with "left heart" pressure measurements, it appears to have a satisfactory reliability in demonstrating abnormalities of flow, volume, and mitral valve function. In theory, its proper application permits complete quantitation of these parameters.