Wilkins Score (Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty): Explanation and Clinical Context The Wilkins Score is an echocardiographic scoring system designed to assess the suitability of patients with mitral stenosis for percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). It evaluates four parameters: leaflet mobility, leaflet thickening, leaflet calcification, and subvalvular thickening, each graded from 1 (mild/normal) to 4 (severe). The total score ranges from 4 to 16. Lower scores (<8) indicate favorable valve anatomy and a higher likelihood of successful valvuloplasty with minimal mitral regurgitation. Scores between 9-12 indicate intermediate anatomy, whereas scores >13 suggest high risk for suboptimal results or procedural complications.
Reference:
Wilkins GT, Weyman AE, Abascal VM, Block PC, Palacios IF. Percutaneous balloon dilatation of the mitral valve: analysis of echocardiographic variables related to outcome and the mechanism of dilatation. Br Heart J. 1988;60(4):299–308. doi:10.1136/hrt.60.4.299