What procedure introduces contrast into the left ventricle to determine mitral regurgitation?

• A. Ventriculography
• B. Aortography
• C. Angiography
• D. Echocardiography

Answer: (A)

Ventriculography directly introduces contrast into the left ventricle to visualize its chamber and assess mitral regurgitation. By injecting contrast into the LV, you can observe a mitral regurgitant jet flowing back into the left atrium during systole, allowing you to see the presence, direction, and approximate severity of the MR on the ventriculogram. Aortography targets the aorta and aortic valve, echocardiography uses ultrasound to evaluate MR noninvasively, and general angiography images vessels but does not specifically showcase the LV cavity+mitral valve in this way.