Pulmonary regurgitation

Pulmonary valve regurgitation
Other namesPulmonary insufficiency, pulmonary incompetence
Diagram of the human heart
SpecialtyCardiology
CausesPulmonary hypertension, Infective endocarditis[1]
Diagnostic methodEKG, Echocardiogram[2]
TreatmentDepends on cause[3](See cause)

Pulmonary (or pulmonic[4]) regurgitation (or insufficiency, incompetence) is a condition in which the pulmonary valve is incompetent[5] and allows backflow from the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle of the heart during diastole.[6] While a small amount of backflow may occur ordinarily, it is usually only shown on an echocardiogram and is harmless. More pronounced regurgitation that is noticed through a routine physical examination is a medical sign of disease and warrants further investigation.[medical citation needed] If it is secondary to pulmonary hypertension it is referred to as a Graham Steell murmur.[7]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference booker2005 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference pul was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference McGlothlin2006 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ T. R. Harrison (ed.): Principles of Internal Medicine, Third Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York / Toronto / London 1958, p. 1258.
  5. ^ "Pulmonary Insufficiency". FreeDictionary. Farlex. 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  6. ^ White, Charles S.; Haramati, Linda B.; Chen, Joseph Jen-Sho; Levsky, Jeffrey M. (2014-03-01). Cardiac Imaging. OUP USA. p. 402. ISBN 9780199829477.
  7. ^ Auscultation Skills: Breath & Heart Sounds. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2009-10-01. p. 83. ISBN 9781605474540.