Aortic regurgitation (AR), or aortic insufficiency, is a cardiac condition where the aortic valve fails to close properly, causing blood to leak backward from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. This extra volume workload on the left ventricle can lead to its enlargement and, over time, heart failure. Accurate diagnosis and severity assessment are critical in medical practice.
In ultrasound imaging, specifically echocardiography, AR is visualized as turbulent retrograde flow across the aortic valve. Doppler ultrasound techniques are essential for quantifying the severity of the regurgitation, assessing pressure gradients, and evaluating its impact on left ventricular size and function. Ultrasound provides real-time, non-invasive assessment, guiding patient management.