DIASTOLIC OPENING OF THE AORTIC VALVE (AV) IN A CASE OF AORTIC INSUFFICIENCY DUE TO AV FENESTRATION.

A patient with severe aortic insufficiency due to fenestration of the non-coronary aortic valve leaflet is described. A preoperative echocardiogram demonstrated early closure of the mitral valve and early diastolic separation of the aortic valve leaflets. These findings disappeared after partial surgical correction and subsequent hemodynamic improvement. Premature opening of the aortic valve is common in severe aortic insufficiency.