EPSS: E point septal separation – Answer

Increased E point – septal separation (EPSS) on M-mode echocardiogram of mitral valve is indicative of :

c) Left ventricular dysfunction

Normal EPSS is about 5 mm. When there is left ventricular systolic dysfunction, left ventricle dilates and the mitral leaflet excursion decreases due to decreased flow, both contributing to increased EPSSS. E point is the highest diastolic excursion point of the mitral valve opening in early diastole. Normally it reaches very near the interventricular seputm during full early diastolic opening.

Prof. Dr. Johnson Francis, MD, DM, FACC, FRCP Edin, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist | Former Professor of Cardiology, Calicut Govt. Medical College