Syphilitic Aortitis and Severe AR

1. Characterizing Severe Aortic Regurgitation
   AR is characterized as acute or chronic, with acute AR often presenting with severe cardiovascular collapse. Further classification includes primary (valve disorder) or secondary (aortic root/aorta disorder) AR.
2. Stages of Chronic AR
   Chronic AR leads to increased LV volume and wall stress. In the compensated stage, LV remodeling occurs with eccentric hypertrophy. In the decompensated stage, LV dilation, reduced LVEF, and CHF symptoms manifest.
3. Physical Exam of AR
   The classic exam findings in chronic severe AR include wide pulse pressure and a diastolic blowing murmur at the LUSB. Murmur duration generally correlates with AR severity.
4. Echo and Chronic Severe AR
   Echocardiographic findings in chronic severe AR include a shortened pressure half-time, holodiastolic flow reversal, and LV dilation.
5. Acute AR Management
   Acute AR management aims at temporary stabilization. Key actions include reducing afterload, supporting cardiac output, and avoiding excessive chronotropy. Temporary pacing or beta agonists can be useful in bradycardia.

Produced by: Dr. Evelyn Song
Edited by: Dr. Karan Desai

CardioNerds Infographics

Explore our comprehensive collection of infographics, categorized by cardiovascular topics such as heart failure and transplantation, arrhythmias and electrophysiology, cardio-obstetrics, cardiovascular imaging, congenital heart disease, prevention, coronary artery disease, critical care, hypertension, pericardial disease, pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease, vascular disease, women’s cardiovascular health, diversity, inclusion, and more!

Feel free to download and share these visuals in presentations or on social media. Please use the infographics as provided—without altering or cropping out the creators’ credit.

For even more learning, explore the CardioNerds Tweetorial Page, featuring a curated collection of educational tweetorials!