Early Detection of Subclinical Myocardial Damage in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation and Strategies for Timely Treatment of Asymptomatic Patients

Abstract

A series of hemodynamic and pathological responses occur in chronic aortic regurgitation, which eventually result in myocardial fibrosis and irreversible left ventricular dysfunction. According to guidelines, valvular surgery is recommended with the development of symptoms, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or left ventricular dilatation. The optimal timing of surgical intervention has recently been questioned with documentation of irreversible myocardial damage resulting in incomplete left ventricular recovery and adverse clinical outcomes after surgery. Recognizing the shortcomings of the guidelines, we performed a comprehensive review on the novel diagnostic methods that have been shown to improve the detection of subclinical ventricular dysfunction in chronic aortic regurgitation and to improve prediction of outcomes.

Keywords: aortic valve insufficiency; diagnostic imaging; echocardiography; magnetic resonance imaging; natriuretic peptide, brain.