Table 1.

Echocardiographic predictors of systolic anterior motion (SAM)

Measurements	Threshold values	Patient values
Basal septal thickness at end-systole	>15 mm	14 mm
Distance from coaptation point to septum at onset of systole	<25 mm	17 mm
Mitral-aortic angle at onset of systole	<120°	130°

Echocardiographic predictors of SAM described in reference 5. Values outside threshold limits indicate increased likelihood of SAM. Measurement was performed on transesoephageal echocardiographic images. Coaptation point of the mitral leaflets of the patient was shorter than the threshold value. Other values were within threshold limits.

Midesophageal aortic valve long-axis view with color Doppler imaging showing aortic insufficiency (arrow). LA = left atrium; LV = left ventricle; Ao = aorta.