 |
| Fig.2.37 |
The diastolic
pattern of pulmonic insufficiency greatly resembles that of aortic
insufficiency as seen in Figure 2.37. This lesion is best detected
from the left parasternal window with angulation of the beam toward
the patient's left shoulder. As with tricuspid regurgitation, this
abnormal pattern is found in a surprisingly high number of otherwise
normal individuals. False positive results may occur from confusion
with aortic insufficiency. Usually a careful PW Doppler examination
will readily differentiate between these two entities. In addition,
pulmonary insufficiency frequently has an end-diastolic movement
that reflects atrial contraction. Some authors have suggested that
flow in the left coronary artery (which crossed just below the right
ventricular outflow tract) may also account for a false positive
diagnosis. False negatives may occur as a result of small jets missed
by an inadequate examination.
2004