Imaging Aortic Regurgitation: The Incremental Benefit of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Abstract

Aortic regurgitation (AR) affects global left ventricular mechanics. However, limited literature is available on how it may affect regional longitudinal strain. We present a case where severe AR jet is thrashing the anterior-septal wall and reducing its overall longitudinal performance most likely secondary to increased wall shear stress in diastole. This new insight into patho-physiological process using deformation study may have supplementary impact in decision making for surgical intervention. Transthoracic echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for the assessment of AR as it offers evaluation of severity of AR, aetiology of AR, left ventricular (LV) dilatation, LV systolic function, left ventricular mass, diastolic function and global strain. This case highlights the regional disturbances in longitudinal strain in eccentric AR.