Serial evaluation of cardiac function with aortic regurgitation caused by serious aortic lesions. A preliminary comparative study with isolated chronic aortic incompetence.

Clinical and hemodynamic appearances of aortic regurgitation caused by serious aortic lesions (AR-Ao-group) seemed more deteriorated than those with isolated chronic aortic regurgitation (AR-group). Often postoperative course and operative outcome are smooth and satisfactory in the AR-Ao-group. To support this observation, serial changes of left ventricular (LV) function and LV sphericity were evaluated before and after operation in ten cases in the AR-Ao-group and compared with those in the AR-group. Before operation, there were no significant differences in LV function between the two groups. Postoperative improvement of LV sphericity and LV function were statistically better in the AR-Ao-group. The LV function reserve was considered sufficiently retained in the AR-Ao-group. Results with this study supported that clinical observation. Therefore, the total correction, at the same time of aortic incompetence and aortic lesions is recommended.