aortic regurgitation
Backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole due to incompetent aortic valve.
Full Definition
Aortic regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close completely during diastole, allowing blood to flow backwards from the aorta into the left ventricle. This can be acute, as seen with aortic dissection or endocarditis, or chronic, typically due to aortic root dilatation, bicuspid aortic valve, or rheumatic disease. Chronic AR leads to volume overload of the left ventricle with compensatory dilatation and hypertrophy. Severity is assessed using multiple echocardiographic parameters including regurgitant volume, effective regurgitant orifice area, and vena contracta width. Surgical intervention timing depends on symptoms, ventricular dimensions, and ejection fraction.
Usage
Usage note: Specify acute versus chronic when relevant to clinical presentation.
In Context
- "Severe aortic regurgitation was identified as the cause of the patient's exertional dyspnea." — Cardiology consultation
- "The degree of aortic regurgitation was quantified using multiple echocardiographic parameters." — Echocardiography report