Diagnostic Evaluation
The most common test used for the evaluation of the severity of aortic insufficiency is transthoracic echocardiography, which can provide two-dimensional views of the regurgitant jet, allow measurement of velocity using Doppler, and estimate jet volume.
The findings in severe aortic regurgitation, based on the 2006 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines include:
- An AI color jet width > 65 percent of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter (may not be true if the jet is eccentric)
- Doppler vena contracta width > 0.6 cm
- The pressure half-time of the regurgitant jet is < 250 msec
- Early termination of the mitral inflow (due to increase in LV pressure due to the AI.)
- Holodiastolic flow reversal in the descending aorta.
- Regurgitant volume > 60 ml
- Regurgitant fraction > 50 percent
- Regurgitant orifice area > 0.3 cm2
- Increased left ventricular size
In acute aortic regurgitation, echocardiography may show early closure of the mitral valve.
Chest X-ray can assist in making the diagnosis, showing left ventricular hypertrophy and dilated aorta. ECG typically indicates left ventricular hypertrophy. Cardiac chamber catheterization assists in assessing the severity of regurgitation and any left ventricular dysfunction.
Read more about this topic: Aortic Insufficiency
Famous quotes containing the word evaluation:
“Evaluation is creation: hear it, you creators! Evaluating is itself the most valuable treasure of all that we value. It is only through evaluation that value exists: and without evaluation the nut of existence would be hollow. Hear it, you creators!”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)