Assessment of Aortic Regurgitation by Analyzing Intensity of Continuous-Wave Doppler Signals

Abstract

Background. This study attempted to assess the value of analyzing the intensity of continuous-wave Doppler signals of aortic regurgitation (AR) by comparing the findings of conventional color flow mapping (CFM) and the decay of continuous-wave Doppler aortic regurgitant flow velocity pattern.
Methods. Study population consisted of 50 consecutive patients with AR referred to the echocardiography laboratory of Hyogo College of Medicine Hospital in whom analyzable continuous-wave Doppler aortic regurgitant flow velocity pattern was obtained. In all of the patients, AR was graded by conventional CFM using a three-point scale, and the continuous-wave Doppler aortic regurgitant flow velocity pattern was provided for the determination of the decay and the intensity of AR signals. Intensity of the AR signal was standardized with the intensity of the signals of systolic ejection flow on the same recording.
Results. There was a modest but statistically significant correlation between the CFM grading of AR and the standardized intensity of AR signals (r=0.42, n=50, p<0.01) and between the decay of continuous-wave Doppler aortic regurgitant flow velocity pattern and the standardized intensity of AR signals (r=0.55, n=50, p<0.01).
Conclusions. Analysis of the intensity of continuous-wave Doppler signals of AR may be useful in noninvasive assessment of AR. Intense Doppler signals of AR are likely indicative of severe regurgitation.