Atrium Size post MVR

Just wanted to thank the doctors on this forum and others for incouragement!

I am a 31 year old MVR that had mild atrium enlargement before surgery in March of 99. LA 4.4.  I recently had an echo and the size now is reading 5.0. I have a small eccentric perivalvular jet at about four o'clock which seems to be stable. I have PAC's which I did not have before surgery. Other than that I am feeling pretty good, no swelling, shortness of breath, etc.
My cardioligist wants to repeat the Echo. He thinks his tech may have overestimated the atrium size. Wants to send me to the hospital to have the head of echcardiography do this echo. The
other echo was done in the office.

My question is, is overestimation common when measuring the heart? Or could this eccentric jet be causing more enlargementand the PAC's? How often are these smallleaks re-operated on?

I want to of course, avoid surgery. I am feeling well. My cadioligst stated that If had surgery again that the same tissue area around the valve could still leak and the cure may be worse than the cause. It this so? Is this going to compromise my heart function and disable me eventually?

Your comments would be greatly appreciated

Thank you
Gina

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Gina,

It is very easy to falsely overestimate both the amount of regurgitation as well as the size of the atrium.

I would not jump to any conclusions prior to repeating these tests.

[Jimmy]

What causes left atrial enlargemet other than high blood pressure?Can trivial mitral valve regurgitation over time period of 10 to 20 years cause significant left atrial enlagement?Does left atrial enlargement and left atrial dilation mean the same?Thank you.Jimmy

[Gina]

My second echo turned out fine. The first one was done by a tech.The second by a doctor in the hospital. The tech said my Atrium was 5.0, which is enlarged. Before my MVP in March it was 4.4 so I was scared that it was enlarging. Turns out I am an even 4.0, which is normal size. It is very disapointing that there are people working in the medical field that can't do their
job and cause unnessary worrying to patients. Especially those of us that have been through so much through so much.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

thank you for your comments.  Glad to hear that all worked out.