Pulmonary vein velocities
Pulmonary S-wave velocity (which includes S1 and
S2 waves) is impacted by alterations in LA pressure, in
addition to LA and LV contractility. D-wave velocity is influenced by
early diastolic LV filling and maintains a strong relationship with
mitral E velocity.42 The resultant ratio (S/D) is
related to changes in compliance of the LA but may have limited accuracy
in mitral valve disease.40 In addition, pulmonary vein
flow is influenced by obstruction imposed by the
valve43 and is less likely to represent changes in LV
compliance.