Stenosis and regurgitation Flashcards
What is aortic regurgitation?
The diastolic leakage of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle (LV).
How does aortic regurgitation progress?
Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) may be asymptomatic for years until overt symptoms of congestive heart failure develop.
Initial symptoms can include palpitations and uncomfortable awareness of the pounding heart when lying on the left side.
What is acute aortic regurgitation?
Acute AR is a medical emergency, presenting with sudden onset of pulmonary oedema and hypotension or cardiogenic shock.
May also present as myocardial ischaemia or aortic root dissection.
How would you diagnose aortic regurgitation?
- Presence of risk factors
- Diastolic murmur
Also: dyspnoea, fatigue, weakness, orthopnoea
What are risk factors for aortic regurgitation?
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Rheumatic fever
- Endocarditis
- Marfan’s syndrome and related connective tissue disease
What are diagnostic investigations for aortic regurgitation?
- ECG
- CXR
- Echocardiogram
- M-mode and 2-dimensional imaging
How would you manage acute aortic regurgitation?
Inotropes + vasodilators + urgent aortic valve replacement or repair
What is rheumatic fever?
Rheumatic fever (acute rheumatic fever) is a disease that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin.
Rheumatic fever can develop if strep throat and scarlet fever infections are not treated properly.
What are the symptoms of rheumatic fever?
Fever
Painful tender joints
Symptoms of congestive heart failure, including chest pain, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat
Fatigue
Jerky, uncontrollable body movements (called “chorea”)
Novel heart murmurs, dilation, fluid in pericardium
What is the most common age for rheumatic fever?
5 through 15 years old
What organism causes rheumatic fever?
Group A strep infection
How would you manage mild to moderate chronic aortic regurgitation?
- Asymptomatic → no treatment
2. Symptomatic → Treatment underlying cause
How would you manage severe (EF < 50%) chronic aortic regurgitation?
- Aortic valve replacement
2. Vasodilation
What is aortic stenosis?
Aortic stenosis is obstruction of blood flow across the aortic valve due to aortic valve fibrosis and calcification.
How does aortic stenosis present?
Presentation includes fatigue; exertional symptoms including shortness of breath, angina, or syncope; and heart failure.