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Difficulty: EasyCardiovascular System

Match the following valvular pathologies with their classic auscultatory findings on physical examination.

  • Aortic stenosisCrescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur best heard at the right upper sternal border
  • Mitral regurgitationHolosystolic murmur best heard at the apex with radiation to the axilla
  • Mitral stenosisMid-diastolic rumble with an opening snap best heard at the apex
  • Aortic regurgitationEarly diastolic decrescendo murmur best heard at the left sternal border

Answer

Aortic stenosis matches with the crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur. Mitral regurgitation matches with the holosystolic apical murmur. Mitral stenosis matches with the mid-diastolic rumble. Aortic regurgitation matches with the early diastolic decrescendo murmur.
The correct pairings are based on normal cardiac physiology. Stenosis of semilunar valves (aortic) or regurgitation of atrioventricular valves (mitral) creates murmurs during systole. Conversely, regurgitation of semilunar valves or stenosis of atrioventricular valves creates murmurs during diastole. Location (apex vs. sternal border) correlates with the anatomical position of the affected valves.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the timing of the murmur for Aortic Stenosis.
It is a systolic outflow murmur.
Blood is ejected through the stenotic aortic valve during ventricular systole.
2
Determine the timing of the murmur for Mitral Regurgitation.
It is a holosystolic murmur.
Blood flows backward through the incompetent mitral valve throughout the entire systolic phase.
3
Determine the timing of the murmur for Mitral Stenosis.
It is a diastolic murmur.
The stenotic mitral valve restricts ventricular filling, which occurs during diastole.
4
Determine the timing of the murmur for Aortic Regurgitation.
It is an early diastolic murmur.
Blood leaks back across the aortic valve immediately after it closes in early diastole.

Key Concept

Auscultatory characteristics of primary valvular disorders based on cardiac cycle timing (systole vs. diastole) and valve location.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Cardiovascular System

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