Which Carpentier type is characterized by restricted leaflet motion throughout the cardiac cycle?

Which Carpentier type is characterized by restricted leaflet motion throughout the cardiac cycle?

• A. Type IIIa
• B. Type I
• C. Type II
• D. Type IIIb

Answer: (A)

Understanding Carpentier’s system for mitral valve motion helps explain why this pattern fits Type IIIa. In this scheme, leaflet motion is categorized as normal (Type I), increased/prolapsed motion (Type II), or restricted motion (Type III). When the leaflets are restricted throughout the entire cardiac cycle—from systole through diastole—the pattern aligns with Type IIIa. This is characteristic of rheumatic involvement, where thickened, fused leaflets and commissural fusion limit excursion in both phases. In contrast, Type IIIb shows restriction mainly in systole (often from ischemic papillary muscle displacement), while Type I and Type II describe normal motion or excessive motion, respectively.

Understanding Carpentier’s system for mitral valve motion helps explain why this pattern fits Type IIIa. In this scheme, leaflet motion is categorized as normal (Type I), increased/prolapsed motion (Type II), or restricted motion (Type III). When the leaflets are restricted throughout the entire cardiac cycle—from systole through diastole—the pattern aligns with Type IIIa. This is characteristic of rheumatic involvement, where thickened, fused leaflets and commissural fusion limit excursion in both phases. In contrast, Type IIIb shows restriction mainly in systole (often from ischemic papillary muscle displacement), while Type I and Type II describe normal motion or excessive motion, respectively.