Aortic regurgitation due to aortic valve prolapse

Myxomatous degeneration is recognized as the underlying pathologic state in mitral valve prolapse. Similar pathologic changes have been noted in excised aortic valve cusps. 1–3 Aortic regurgitation (AR) may be caused by aortic valve prolapse (AVP). Recent echocardiographic studies have described criteria for the diagnosis of AVP and have documented its frequent association with mitral valve prolapse. 4,5 The entity of AR without apparent cause and its possible relation to AVP has assumed increasing clinical importance. We present the clinical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic findings in 6 patients with AR and AVP.