Therapy of acute aortic regurgitation

Abstract

Management considerations for dealing with a patient with acute regurgitation of the aortic valve have been emphasized. Recognition and treatment of the most usual causes of acute aortic regurgitation have been described and the emphasis placed on early surgical treatment in the appropriate patient. In particular, management strategies for acute infective endocarditis and acute aortic dissection must be done on a timely basis. Operative intervention earlier rather than later generally improves results and prevents the long-term complications of delayed operations in anatomically complex patients. Whereas accurate preoperative diagnosis and attempts in medical treatment are mandatory before embarking on surgical therapy, the best results are achieved when definitive repair is performed early in the patient's course. Failure to do so inevitably leads to complications that only worsen the ultimate outcome in terms of morbidity and mortality.