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Pulmonic Regurgitation

By

Guy P. Armstrong

, MD, Waitemata District Health Board and Waitemata Cardiology, Auckland

Reviewed/Revised Nov 2023
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Pulmonic (pulmonary) regurgitation is leakage of blood backward through the pulmonary valve each time the right ventricle relaxes.

  • Pulmonic regurgitation usually does not cause symptoms.

  • Doctors make the diagnosis because of physical examination findings, and they use echocardiography to confirm the diagnosis.

  • The underlying disorder is treated.

The pulmonic valve is in the opening between the right ventricle and the blood vessels going to the lungs (pulmonary arteries). The pulmonic valve opens as the right ventricle contracts to pump blood into the lungs. When the pulmonic valve does not close completely, some blood leaks backward from the pulmonary arteries into the right ventricle, termed regurgitation. (See also the video .)

The most common cause of pulmonic regurgitation is

The high pressure stresses the valve, causing it to leak.

Much less common causes are

Pulmonic regurgitation usually causes no symptoms. Sometimes people develop swollen ankles or fatigue.

Diagnosis of Pulmonic Regurgitation

  • Echocardiography

Often pulmonic regurgitation is detected during an examination done for some other reason. Through a stethoscope, doctors may hear a characteristic murmur produced by the blood leaking backward through the pulmonic valve.

Treatment of Pulmonic Regurgitation

  • Treament of the underlying disorder

The condition causing pulmonic regurgitation is treated. Treatment may involve taking medications such as sildenafil or bosentan to reduce pulmonary hypertension. Very rarely, the pulmonary valve must be replaced.

More Information

The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
LiQrev, Revatio, Viagra
Tracleer
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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