aortic insufficiency
Abnormal leakage of blood from the aorta back into the left ventricle during diastole.
Full Definition
Aortic insufficiency, also called aortic regurgitation, is a valvular heart disease characterized by the incomplete closure of the aortic valve, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. This condition can be acute or chronic and may result from various causes including bicuspid aortic valve, rheumatic disease, endocarditis, or aortic root dilation. In cardiac anesthesia, aortic insufficiency presents specific challenges including difficulty maintaining coronary perfusion pressure and potential complications with cardioplegic delivery.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as AI or AR. Distinguish from aortic stenosis, which is valve narrowing.
In Context
- "Severe aortic insufficiency required immediate aortic valve replacement." — Surgical indication
- "The presence of aortic insufficiency complicated retrograde cardioplegia delivery." — Intraoperative challenge