Klaffregurgitation

Klaffregurgitation, also known as valvular regurgitation, refers to backward blood flow through one or more heart valves due to incomplete closure. It can affect any of the four valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, or pulmonic) and may be primary (valve disease) or secondary (functional, due to changes in chamber size or pressure).

Causes and classifications include degenerative or rheumatic valve disease, congenital abnormalities, endocarditis, or damage from previous surgery. Functional regurgitation occurs when the surrounding chamber dilates or the ventricle’s geometry changes, impairing valve closure even if the valve leaflets themselves are structurally normal. Each valve has characteristic regurgitation patterns: for example, aortic and pulmonary regurgitation are typically diastolic, while mitral and tricuspid regurgitation are systolic.

Clinical presentation varies. Many cases are asymptomatic for years and detected on examination or imaging. When symptoms occur, they may include breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, edema, or signs of heart failure. Auscultation often reveals a characteristic murmur, but definitive assessment relies on imaging, especially echocardiography with Doppler to quantify the volume and severity of regurgitation and to assess cardiac function and chamber sizes. Additional tests may include electrocardiography and chest radiography.

Management depends on severity and symptoms, valve involved, and left or right ventricular function. Mild regurgitation is usually monitored. Medical therapy targets symptoms and heart failure risk (diuretics, afterload reduction in select cases). In moderate to severe or symptomatic disease, valve repair or replacement is considered, with the choice of procedure tailored to valve anatomy and patient factors. Percutaneous repair techniques are available for certain lesions. Prognosis hinges on timely treatment and preservation of ventricular function.