Severe chronic aortic regurgitation is suggested by any of the following: Color Doppler jet width ≥ 65% of the LV outflow tract diameter Holodiastolic flow reversal in the abdominal aorta (specific for severe AR) Regurgitant volume ≥ 60 mL / beat Regurgitation fraction ≥ 50% Vena contracta > 6 mm (the narrowest diameter of the fluid stream downstream of the abnormal valve orifice) Echocardiography can also assess severity of pulmonary hypertension secondary to LV failure, detect vegetations or pericardial effusions (eg, in aortic dissection), and provide information about prognosis.