ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the echo assessment of the aortic valve. The causes and clinical features of aortic stenosis and regurgitation are described, and approaches to echo assessment are discussed. The grading of aortic stenosis severity is described with reference to peak flow velocity, mean gradient, valve area, indexed valve area and velocity ratio. The grading of aortic regurgitation severity is described with reference to multiple indicators, including valve morphology, left ventricular size, vena contracta width, jet density, jet width, jet pressure half-time, regurgitant fraction, regurgitant volume, regurgitant orifice area and others. Key aspects regarding aortic stenosis and regurgitation management and surveillance are also discussed.
