Canonical: https://echosuite.app/guides/mr-continuity/

# Mitral regurgitation calculator: continuity method

Explore the continuity method for mitral regurgitation, with the tool’s volume measurements, formula and method qualifications.

Created by [Mohammed Kamareddine, MD](https://echosuite.app/about/) · [Sources & educational scope](https://echosuite.app/about/)

[Open interactive calculator →](https://echosuite.app/calculators/#mr-continuity)

## Method

RVol = mitral SV − LVOT SV

Use the measurement units shown below. Some fields apply only to a selected method or condition; follow the interactive tool’s method choices. The interactive tool keeps missing measurements incomplete and provides its method-specific results and reference context.

## Measurements and acquisition

### LVOT diameter  cm

2D echo · inner-edge measurement

- Use the specified view and cardiac phase.
- Align the calipers perpendicular to the structure’s long axis.
- Measure inner edge to inner edge and avoid oblique foreshortening.

### LVOT VTI  cm

Pulsed-wave Doppler

- Place the sample volume at the specified annulus or outflow tract.
- Align the Doppler beam with flow and record a clean envelope.
- Trace the modal velocity envelope and use the reported VTI.

### Mitral annulus diameter  cm

2D echo · inner-edge measurement

- Use the specified view and cardiac phase.
- Align the calipers perpendicular to the structure’s long axis.
- Measure inner edge to inner edge and avoid oblique foreshortening.

### Mitral annulus VTI  cm

Pulsed-wave Doppler

- Place the sample volume at the specified annulus or outflow tract.
- Align the Doppler beam with flow and record a clean envelope.
- Trace the modal velocity envelope and use the reported VTI.

### MR jet VTI  cm

Continuous-wave Doppler trace

- Use the same aligned CW recording as the peak velocity.
- Trace the outer edge of the dense envelope for the relevant phase.
- Use the machine-reported VTI in centimeters.

## Sources and method context

American Society of Echocardiography · 2017 · Recommendations for Noninvasive Evaluation of Native Valvular Regurgitation · Quantitative flow pp. 7–8; MR Table 7 pp. 22–25; Table 8 and Figure 18 pp. 29–30

[Primary reference](https://www.asecho.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017VavularRegurgitationGuideline.pdf)

- Flow calculation · Pages 7–8 · quantitative pulsed-Doppler method

Stroke volume equals cross-sectional area multiplied by VTI; regurgitant volume is the difference between flow through the regurgitant valve and a competent reference site.

- MR application & pitfalls · Pages 22–25 · Table 7

Mitral and LVOT sampling requirements, accumulated measurement error, and exclusions when another important regurgitant lesion is present.

- Severity integration · Pages 29–30 · Table 8 and Figure 18

EROA, regurgitant volume and regurgitant fraction bands plus the integrative MR grading framework.

Catalogue review status: Exact guideline locator mapped · clinical sign-off pending

These pages describe the educational tool. Interpret measurements with the complete clinical context and the method’s acquisition limitations.

## Keep exploring

- [Apical four chamber acquisition guide](https://echosuite.app/guides/views/apical-four-chamber/) · [Open in Probe Lab](https://echosuite.app/#a4c)
- [Apical two chamber acquisition guide](https://echosuite.app/guides/views/apical-two-chamber/) · [Open in Probe Lab](https://echosuite.app/#a2c)
- [Apical five chamber acquisition guide](https://echosuite.app/guides/views/apical-five-chamber/) · [Open in Probe Lab](https://echosuite.app/#a5c)
- [Aortic regurgitation PISA calculator](https://echosuite.app/guides/ar-pisa/)
- [Aortic regurgitation calculator: continuity method](https://echosuite.app/guides/ar-continuity/)
- [Mitral regurgitation PISA calculator: EROA and regurgitant volume](https://echosuite.app/guides/mr-pisa/)
- [Tricuspid regurgitation calculator: PISA quantification](https://echosuite.app/guides/tr-pisa/)

[All echo guides](https://echosuite.app/guides/) · [Learning paths](https://echosuite.app/learn/)