[Qualitative and quantitative one- and two-dimensional echocardiography assessment of chronic aortic insufficiency]

It is reported on the results of one- and two-dimensional echocardiographic investigations, which were partly supplemented by investigations in Doppler-technique, in 20 patients with an aortic insufficiency in the clinical stage II and 20 patients with an aortic insufficiency in stage III. As comparison serve the results of the examinations of 20 normal persons. The diagnosis of an aortic insufficiency was to be made in all cases by the evidence of fluttering waves on the anterior and posterior mitral valve, partly also on the ventricular septum. The diagnosis can be ascertained by the Doppler-echocardiographic proof of a regurgitation through the aortic valve. Diameter, thickness of the wall, volumes and functional parameters of the left ventricle as well as the size of the left atrium and the diameter of the aortic root proved to be suitable for the judgment of the degree of severity. Severe aortic insufficiencies are characterized by a dilatation and hypertrophy of the left ventricle, a dilatation of the left atrium, an enlarged diameter of the aortic root, clearly increased volumes restricted functional parameters of the left ventricle.