Aortic Valve Regurgitation Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Aortic Valve Regurgitation, including definitions, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Aortic Regurgitation (AR)?

Abnormal reflux of blood from the aorta to the left ventricle during diastole due to incomplete valve closure.

What are the major causes of Chronic Aortic Regurgitation (AR)?

Rheumatic AR, Infective Endocarditis, Dystrophic AR, and Congenital Aortic Regurgitation.

What is one feature of Rheumatic Aortic Regurgitation?

Valve abnormalities such as thickening, commissural fusion, and poor diastolic coaptation.

What is a common outcome of Infective Endocarditis related to Aortic Regurgitation?

Valve vegetations leading to structural damage, such as aortic ring abscess causing valve dysfunction.

What pathological change occurs in Dystrophic Aortic Regurgitation?

Large aneurysmal dilation of the ascending aorta or structural changes in the aortic valve.

What is Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) in the context of congenital AR?

Aortic valve containing 2 unequal cusps instead of the normal 3.

What happens during the compensatory phase of Aortic Regurgitation?

The left ventricle undergoes volume overload, leading to chronic dilation and hypertrophy, while initially maintaining a preserved ejection fraction.

What are some upstream and downstream effects of Aortic Regurgitation?

Upstream effects: asymptomatic until progressive dilation. Downstream effects: maintained cardiac output but increased systolic pressure and decreased diastolic pressure.

What is the standard surgical treatment for symptomatic Aortic Regurgitation?

Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) with either mechanical or biological prosthesis.

What are the key surgical indications for Aortic Regurgitation?

Symptomatic AR or severe asymptomatic AR with specific criteria such as left ventricular dilation or reduced ejection fraction.

What is the main cause of Acute Aortic Regurgitation?

Infective Endocarditis that leads to perforation or disinsertion of the aortic valve.

What is one clinical parameter that indicates Acute Aortic Regurgitation?

Dyspnea on lying down, potentially due to pulmonary edema.

Describe the appearance of the heart on chest X-ray in Acute Aortic Regurgitation.

Normal heart volume but may show pulmonary stasis.

What is the prognosis for Acute Aortic Regurgitation without surgical intervention?

Poor prognosis if severe AI is poorly tolerated.