Which description BEST matches the murmur of aortic regurgitation?

Which description BEST matches the murmur of aortic regurgitation?

• A. Systolic ejection murmur at the right upper sternal border
• B. Holodiastolic murmur at the left upper sternal border
• C. Diastolic blowing murmur at the left upper sternal border
• D. Continuous murmur at the left infraclavicular area

Answer: (C)

Aortic regurgitation causes blood to flow back from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole, producing a diastolic murmur. The classic description is a high-pitched, blowing murmur heard best along the left upper sternal border, starting just after the aortic valve closes (A2) and continuing through diastole. This murmur is best heard with the patient sitting up and leaning forward, especially during expiration. That’s why the option describing a diastolic blowing murmur at the left upper sternal border fits aortic regurgitation best. The other descriptions point to different patterns: a systolic ejection murmur at the right upper sternal border suggests aortic stenosis; a continuous murmur at the left infraclavicular area suggests a PDA; a holodiastolic murmur at the left upper sternal border could also reflect AR in severe cases, but the classic, most characteristic description is a diastolic blowing murmur in that location.

Aortic regurgitation causes blood to flow back from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole, producing a diastolic murmur. The classic description is a high-pitched, blowing murmur heard best along the left upper sternal border, starting just after the aortic valve closes (A2) and continuing through diastole. This murmur is best heard with the patient sitting up and leaning forward, especially during expiration.

That’s why the option describing a diastolic blowing murmur at the left upper sternal border fits aortic regurgitation best. The other descriptions point to different patterns: a systolic ejection murmur at the right upper sternal border suggests aortic stenosis; a continuous murmur at the left infraclavicular area suggests a PDA; a holodiastolic murmur at the left upper sternal border could also reflect AR in severe cases, but the classic, most characteristic description is a diastolic blowing murmur in that location.