Abstract

Premature opening of the aortic valve in late diastole has been demonstrated by echocardiography in a patient with severe aortic regurgitation. Valve opening coincided with the end of the diastolic murmur and equalization of aortic and left ventricular diastolic pressures. Echocardiography of the aortic valve in severe aortic reflux may, therefore, provide valuable information about the underlying haemodynamic disturbance.