Rosh Internal Medicine Boost Practice Exam

What murmur is typically associated with mitral regurgitation?

1. A high-pitched, blowing systolic murmur

2. A low-pitched, diastolic murmur

3. A continuous machinery-like murmur

4. A loud systolic ejection murmur

The correct answer is: A high-pitched, blowing systolic murmur

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by a high-pitched, blowing systolic murmur that occurs due to the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. The nature of this murmur is influenced by the turbulence created by the regurgitant flow. It is typically best heard at the apex of the heart, often radiating towards the left axilla, and is most prominent during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. This sound reflects the pathological backward flow of blood due to incomplete closure of the mitral valve. The other options describe different types of murmurs associated with various cardiac conditions. A low-pitched, diastolic murmur is often associated with aortic regurgitation or mitral stenosis rather than mitral regurgitation. A continuous machinery-like murmur is characteristic of conditions such as patent ductus arteriosus and does not pertain to mitral regurgitation. A loud systolic ejection murmur is typically associated with aortic stenosis and does not reflect the backflow of blood seen in mitral regurgitation.