[Prolapse of the aortic valve].

Prolapse of the aortic valve (PAV) was diagnosed in 20 patients using a method of two-dimensional echocardiography. PAV primary and secondary forms were distinguished. Congenital pathology of the other cardiac valves (prolapse of the atrioventricular valves and the bicuspid aortic valve) or the aorta was observed in primary PAV. Secondary PAV was observed as a concomitant pathology in dilatation of the aortic root resulting from atherosclerosis or in an infectious process on the aortic cusps in subacute septic endocarditis. Of non-invasive diagnostic methods the most effective one was two-dimensional echocardiography which could be regarded as a verifying method in PAV.