Study note
MedicineCardiology

Investigations in aortic regurgitation

THE CONTEXT
Investigations detect aortic regurgitation, quantify its degree, assess associated aortic dilatation and support assessment before cardiac surgery.

Detection and acute haemodynamic effects

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Doppler echocardiography is the investigation of first choice for detecting regurgitation.
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In severe acute aortic regurgitation, a rapid rise in left ventricular diastolic pressure may cause premature mitral valve closure.

Additional imaging and surgical assessment

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MRI can help quantify the degree of regurgitation.
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MRI or CT can assess the degree and extent of aortic dilatation when this is suspected.
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Invasive coronary angiography may be required if the patient needs cardiac surgery.
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