[Doppler ultrasound and aortic regurgitation. Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of Doppler findings].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of arterial Doppler findings of aortic regurgitation to assess if the amplitude of changes of Doppler tracings can accurately quantify the degree of regurgitation.

Patients And Methods: We analysed and compared the arterial Doppler tracings and echocardiograms of 250 patients.

Results: Even if the obvious pitfall of vascular stenoses is avoided, the global sensitivity of arterial Doppler findings for aortic regurgitation remains weak (30%).