Mitral Regurgitation and Dilated Heart Valve

Hi.....

I was recently in the hospital for Septicemia due to an Infected Central Veinous Catheter that I was using for TPN for Chronic Pancreatitis (initially developed Pancreatitis from an ERCP).  While I was in the hospital my Infectious Disease Dr. ordered an Echocardiogram to make sure that the infection did not affect my heart valves.

While he said the test was "normal", the report did show that I had some Mitral Regurgitation and one of the heart valves was somewhat dilated, and the Impression on the report was "Technically Normal Echo".  Is it normal to have either the Mitral Regurgitation or a Dilated Heart Valve?  I was not diagnosed with Endocarditis.

Can you help me to understand these "conditions" better, and why if they showed up, would the test be interpreted as "Technically Normal Echo"?

As a layperson, when I see the word "Technically", it makes me wonder if it is the grey area.  Is this something that I should investigate further?

I understand that this is for educational purposes, and without the benefit of an exam, but any information you can give to shed light on this for me, is greatly appreciated!!!

Robin

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Robin,

Thank you for your question.  Mild mitral regurgitation is not a concern generally.  I'm not familiar with the term "dilated heart valve" so I can't really comment on that.  I think technically normal refers to the image aquisition and not the results of the test.  Remember it is your doctor's responsibility to fully explain test results to you so if you have questions after a test be sure to ask them.  Best wishes.