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Figure 1 Magnetic resonance images to define the imaging plane. Diastolic two-chamber (a), four-chamber (b), and three-chamber (c) views. A jet originating from the mitral valve leaflets is visible. The subsequent slices were defined perpendicular to the valvular plane and, in cases of orifices with an eccentric outlet, perpendicular to the origin of the jet in the left ventricle. Visualization of the diastolic opening of the mitral valve orifice. (d) Systolic image parallel to the closed mitral valve. (e) Diastolic image of the same plane showing the small orifice in this patient. (f) Planimetry as drawn in with a resulting orifice area of 0.6 cm², representing severe mitral stenosis (corresponding cardiac catheterization-mitral valve area resulted also in 0.6 cm² and echocardiography-mitral valve area resulted in 0.7 cm²).