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.

Light House Sign - Blanching & Flushing of forehead
Landolfi's sign, alternating constriction & dilatation of pupils
Becker’s Sign - visible pulsation of retinal arterioles
De Musset Sign - Bobbing of head
Muller’s Sign - To & fro movement of Uvula
Gerhardt /Sailer Sign- Pulsation of Spleen in Splenomegaly
Rosenbach’s Sign- Hepatic Pulsation
Shelley’s Sign- Pulsation of Cervix
Corrigan’s Sign- Forceful dilatation and quick collapse of Arterial pulse
Water-hammer Pulse
Quincke’s Sign-Nail bed Capillary Pulsation
Wide Pulse Pressure
Hill's Sign- exaggerated difference in systolic arterial pressure between upper & lower limbs
Traube’s Sign- Pistol Shot sounds over femoral artery
Duroziez’s Sign- Pressure over femoral artery to & fro murmur
Hill’s Sign- Popliteal artery systolic pressure exceeds Brachial artery pressure by > 60 mmHg
Maybe’s Sign- Decrease in DBP of 15 mmHg when arm is held above head.
Early diastolic, decrescendo murmur usually heard best Erb's point
The Austin Flint murmur is a rumbling diastolic murmur best heard at the apex.
S3 gallop
Systolic outflow tract murmur
Wide pulse pressure
High volume bounding pulse
PMI shifts inferiorly & laterally
It is important to palpate supra-eternal notch to rule out AAA
Lincoln Sign- Tremor of foot when one leg is crossed above other

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