Aortic Regurgitation Flashcards
What are the causes of aortic regurgitation?
Rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis, luetic heart disease (syphillis), type A aortic dissection, bicuspid valve, hypertension, aortic dissection, Marfan’s, RA, ankylosing spondylitis
How do patients with aortic regurgitation present?
SOB, fatigue, palpitations
What are the signs of aortic regurgitation?
1) Corrigon’s Sign (abrupt distension and collapse of carotid arteries as a sign indicating aortic incompetence)
2) De Musset’s Sign (rhythmic nodding or bobbing of the head in synchronous with the beating of the heart, in general as a result of aortic insufficiency whereby blood from the aorta regurgitates into the left ventricle due to a defect in the aortic valve. The nodding is an indication that the systolic pulse is being felt by the patient because of the increased pulse pressure resulting from the aortic insufficiency)
3) Quincke’s Sign (systolic pulsations seen upon light compression of the nail bed)
4) Austin Flint Murmur (low pitched rumbling best heard at apex - mid diastolic or presystolic)
5) Durosier’s Sign (systolic murmur heard over the femoral arteries in patients with aortic regurgitation)
6) Traube’s Phenomenon (Auscultation of the femoral arteries reveals a pistol shot crack in time with systole.)
What are the pulse rate, rhythm, character and volume in aortic regurgitation?
Collapsing pulse with wide pulse pressure and high volume
What is the apex beat like in aortic regurgitation?
Thrusting (volume loaded), displaced apex
What is heard on auscultation is aortic regurgitation?
Early diastolic murmuer best hurt at the lower left sternal edge with patient sitting up in expiration. It is a high pitched short decrescendo murmur with no radiation. Austin Flint murmur
What may be seen on CXR in aortic regurgitation?
Cardiomegaly
How can aortic regurgitation be treated?
Diuretics and Vasodilators
What is the pathology of aortic regurgitation?
Systemic backflow
