Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Which condition is indicated by a continuous wave Doppler demonstrating aortic regurgitation?

1. Aortic stenosis

2. Mitral regurgitation

3. Tricuspid regurgitation

4. Aortic regurgitation

The correct answer is: Aortic stenosis

An essential factor in understanding the continuous wave Doppler findings is recognizing how they relate to specific hemodynamic conditions. In the case of aortic regurgitation, the Doppler signal will exhibit a unique pattern indicative of reversed flow from the aorta back into the left ventricle during diastole. When examining the left ventricular inflow during diastole, continuous wave Doppler can track blood flow velocities. In the case of aortic regurgitation, this will show a distinct and often holodiastolic waveform that indicates the volume of blood flowing back into the ventricle. This retrograde flow is a direct consequence of the aortic valve not closing properly, allowing blood to leak back into the left ventricle from the aorta. This condition often leads to characteristic clinical findings of volume overload and can result in left ventricular dilation and eventually heart failure if left untreated. It is crucial for the management of aortic regurgitation to properly identify it through Doppler echocardiography, as it may require interventions such as surgical repair or valve replacement depending on severity. In contrast, the other conditions listed—like aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and tricuspid regurgitation—present different patterns