A diastolic murmur with opening snap indicates pathology of which valve?

A diastolic murmur with opening snap indicates pathology of which valve?

• A. Pulmonary valve
• B. Tricuspid valve
• C. Mitral valve
• D. Aortic valve

Answer: (C)

A diastolic murmur with an opening snap points to mitral stenosis. The opening snap occurs when the stiff, narrowed mitral valve leaflets are forced open early in diastole by left atrial pressure after S2. This is followed by a low-pitched, rumbling diastolic murmur best heard at the apex in the left lateral decubitus position, often with a loud S1. The finding is most characteristic of mitral valve pathology, typically due to rheumatic disease. Other valves can have diastolic murmurs, but an opening snap is a classic sign of mitral stenosis rather than pathology of the other valves.

A diastolic murmur with an opening snap points to mitral stenosis. The opening snap occurs when the stiff, narrowed mitral valve leaflets are forced open early in diastole by left atrial pressure after S2. This is followed by a low-pitched, rumbling diastolic murmur best heard at the apex in the left lateral decubitus position, often with a loud S1. The finding is most characteristic of mitral valve pathology, typically due to rheumatic disease. Other valves can have diastolic murmurs, but an opening snap is a classic sign of mitral stenosis rather than pathology of the other valves.