Clinical Findings in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation (AR) for medical students, cardiologists, physicians and internists 2023

Clinical Findings in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation(AR)

Clinical Findings in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation  (AR) for medical students, cardiologists, physicians and internists 2023

Clinical Findings in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation(AR)
Clinical Findings in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation







Table of Contents (toc)

Introduction

Aortic regurgitation, a valvular heart disease, is a condition characterized by the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle of the heart during diastole, the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle.

Causes of aortic regurgitation


This condition can be attributed to several causes, such as congenital valve abnormalities, rheumatic fever, or aortic root dilatation. 

The severity of aortic regurgitation varies and is often categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of blood leakage. 

Diagnosis of aortic regurgitation


To diagnose aortic regurgitation, clinicians typically employ a combination of techniques, including echocardiography, Doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to assess the valve function and determine the appropriate treatment approach. 

Management of aortic regurgitation


Managing aortic regurgitation may involve medical management, such as medication to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, or surgical intervention, such as valve repair or replacement, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. 

Importance of timely diagnosis


Timely diagnosis and intervention are crucial in preventing the progression of aortic regurgitation, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including heart failure and irreversible damage to the heart muscle..

Signs of aortic regurgitation


Here we have listed multiple symptom and signs of chronic aortic regurgitation a clinician hould be looking for when suspected.

  1. Light House Sign - Blanching & Flushing of forehead 

  2. Landolfi's sign, alternating constriction & dilatation of pupils

  3. Becker’s Sign - visible pulsation of retinal arterioles 

  4. De Musset Sign - Bobbing of head 

  5. Muller’s Sign - To & fro movement of Uvula

  6. Gerhardt /Sailer Sign- Pulsation of Spleen in Splenomegaly 

  7. Rosenbach’s Sign- Hepatic Pulsation

  8. Shelley’s Sign- Pulsation of Cervix

  9. Corrigan’s Sign- Forceful dilatation and quick collapse of Arterial pulse

  10. Water-hammer Pulse

  11. Quincke’s Sign-Nail bed Capillary Pulsation

  12. Wide Pulse Pressure

  13. Hill's Sign- exaggerated difference in systolic arterial pressure between upper & lower limbs

  14. Traube’s Sign- Pistol Shot sounds over femoral artery

  15. Duroziez’s Sign- Pressure over femoral artery to & fro murmur

  16. Hill’s Sign- Popliteal artery systolic pressure exceeds Brachial artery pressure by > 60 mmHg

  17. Maybe’s Sign- Decrease in DBP of 15 mmHg when arm is held above head.

  18. Early diastolic, decrescendo murmur usually heard best Erb's point

  19. The Austin Flint murmur is a rumbling diastolic murmur best heard at the apex. 

  20. S3 gallop

  21. Systolic outflow tract murmur

  22. Wide pulse pressure 

  23. High volume bounding pulse 

  24. PMI shifts inferiorly & laterally

  25. It is important to palpate supra-eternal notch to rule out AAA

  26. Lincoln Sign- Tremor of foot when one leg is crossed above other

If you like this article or have any comment please let me below. 

Please share this to your colleague, friends or juniors if you think they need to know this.

You sharing will eb helpful for me too. 

Thank you. 

Post a Comment

0 Comments
* Please Don't Spam Here. All the Comments are Reviewed by Admin.