Question:
This continuous wave Doppler profile is most consistent with which of the following findings?
A.Chronic, progressive bicuspid aortic valvulopathy
B.Acute infective endocarditis
C.Severe aortic stenosis
D.Tetralogy of Fallot repair
Answer: B
This continuous wave Doppler assessment of the aortic valve demonstrates an extremely short pressure half time of 100 msec, suggesting rapid equilibration between the aortic and left ventricular pressures. This findings is most consistent with severe, acute aortic regurgitation. The causes of severe acute aortic regurgitation include infective endocarditis and ascending aorta dilatation. Chronic bicuspid aortic valvulopathy may cause chronic aortic regurgitation. However, chronic aortic regurgitation is not associated with a short pressure half-time. Severe aortic stenosis does not typically cause acute aortic regurgitation in isolation. Patients can have pulmonary regurgitation after Tetralogy of Fallot repair, not aortic regurgitation.
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