Vena Contracta - this is the width of the flow at the site of its formation, the so-called neck of the regurgitation, the narrowest point of the flow, at the ends of the leaflets of the valve.

Vena contracta is best visualized and measured in a zoomed, parasternal long-axis view. Since it is the narrowest area of the jet, it is smaller than the jet width in the LVOT. It can be measured in most patients with good echocardiographic images.

Vena Contracta Width (VCW) can be used to assess the severity of regurgitation:

• Mild - Vena Contracta < 0.3 cm.
• Moderate - 0.3-0.6 cm.
• Severe - Vena Contracta > 0.6 cm.

 

Left Parasternal View, the Long axis of LV, color Doppler, Aortic regurgitation. VCW measurement. Simulation By Echocardiography Online Simulator MyEchocardiography.com

 

 

ASE Guideline for Noninvasive Evaluation of Native Valvular Regurgitation

 

How to Simulate Assessment degree of Aortic Regurgitation by Vena Contracta Width (VCW)? >>>

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