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E/A ratio (E / A ratio)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The E/A ratio

  • when flow across the MV is assessed with PW Doppler, two waves are characteristically seen
    • represent passive filling of the ventricle (early [E] wave)
    • active filling with atrial systole (atrial [A] wave)

    • classically, the E-wave velocity is slightly greater than that of the A wave
      • however, in conditions that limit the compliance of the LV, two abnormalities are possible:
        • reversal
          • the A wave is greater than the E wave
          • indicates slow filling caused by older age, hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), or diastolic dysfunction
        • exaggeration of normal
          • a tall, thin E wave with a small or absent A wave
          • indicates restrictive cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis, or infiltrative cardiac disease (eg, amyloidosis)

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