Aortic Insufficiency

Abstract

Echocardiography is a reliable and reproducible method for evaluation of aortic insufficiency (AI). AI has a variety of etiologies, including congenital or acquired, and may present as an acute situation or as a chronic condition. Regardless of the clinical presentation, patient symptoms and physical signs may not be present unless the AI has progressed to a moderate or severe degree. As the severity of AI increases, there are changes in the pathophysiology of the heart, including an increase in left ventricle dimensions and chamber compliance. Echocardiographic methods to evaluate AI include two-dimensional, m-mode, color flow imaging, and pulsed wave and continuous wave Doppler. The combined use of multiple techniques provides more thorough and accurate quantification, both during follow-up of the disease process and after surgical correction.