Functional Systolic Murmurs

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Functional Systolic Murmurs 32 DALHOUSIE MEDICAL JOURNAL Functional Systolic Murmurs Milton Boniuk, '56 Although it is generally agreed University students, Reid found 20% that the diastolic murmur with rare with a systolic murmur. exceptions denotes a cardiac valvular pathologic lesion, the role and signi- Opposing Views: ficance of the systolic murmur have However, such a frequent routine not been fully established. The var- physical finding as this has not yet ious opinions given concerning its been clearly understood and opposing value range from complete accept- views on this matter have been ex- ance as a pathognomonic indication of pressed by some of our best known an organic lesion to almost total dis- clinicians. Some of those expressing regard of it as an aid in the diagnosis a poor prognostic view were : of heart disease. Because the nature 1. Laennec, who introduced auscul- of the murmur has been unsettled tation in physical diagnosis in 1819, this has been a frequent cause of thought that all murmurs were posi- cardiac neurosis. tive indications of presence of cardiac Although no attempt can be made valvular lesions. to elucidate this problem which has 2. White reported on 100 patients baffled clinicians for years, I would with apical systolic murmurs includ- like to review some of the literature ing some with accompanying diastolic which has been written on the sys- murmur. Although stating that tolic murmur and this article will slight apical systolic murmurs are briefly deal with the following : frequent and are in themselves of (1)Frequency of systolic murmurs ; little or no importance in the absence (2) Opposing views on significance of other signs of heart trouble, he of systolic murmurs; (3) Classifica- found that only 19% of patients had tion and Causes ; (4) Aids in Diagno- normal hearts, and that 6% were sis; (5) Pathologic Study and Evalu- doubtful. The rest of the patients ation; (6) Conclusions. had organic heart disease. Further- more the evidence of an organic Frequency : lesion increased with the intensity The frequency of the physical find- of the systolic murmur, ranging from ing of the systolic murmur in routine 56% in patients with slight mur - examinations is not generally real- murs to 98% in those with loud ones. ized. Walter showed that of 400 3. Levine also stated that a sys- routine examinations of the heart tolic murmur is not common in nor- 29.75% or 119 showed systolic mur- mal individuals and the louder ones murs. Levine examined 1000 nor- are always associated with some mal persons engaged in various oc- form of cardiovascular disease. cupations and found 19.6% with a On the other hand, some of the systolic murmur. In a group of more favorable prognostic outlooks DALHOUSIE MEDICAL JOURNAL were expressed by the following : 4. Contratto reported on 127 Har- 1. Cabot, "systolic murmurs with- vard students with apical or basal out presence of other signs of heart systolic murmurs, the significance of disease is of no importance." which was uncertain after the first examination. After follow-up of 2 2. White, at another occasion, said to 3 years, he was unable to make a that most systolic murmurs do not diagnosis on any case and several of indicate presence of organic heart the patients had played football and disease. other strenuous sports. 3. J. S. Blumenthal followed 100 patients with a systolic murmur for Classification and Causes: 7 years. After this time 4 patients It has become evident that systolic developed other cardiac abnormalit- murmurs are caused not only by de- ies. Blumenthal stated "if we find formity of valves but also by other in a heart of normal size and rhythm factors present, thus the systolic a systolic murmur with absence of murmur has become divided into two any signs that would indicate that it categories, organic and functional. Of is definitely organic in origin, and course, this is not a practical division with a good functioning organ, then as there is no definite distinction to we may conclude that the heart is be made between such murmurs clin- perfectly normal." ically. 140'4V There are immediate requirements for Medical Doctors in the Royal Canadian Air Force Permanent or Short Service Commission One year post graduate training during each five years of service using civilian teaching facilities. For full information, write the: R.C.A.F Recruiting Unit 254 Barrington Street Halifax, Nova Scotia Telephone 3-6945 34 DALHOUSIE MEDICAL JOURNAL Herrick has given the pathological uish the functional murmur from the and clinical causes of murmurs of the organic ones. organic type as : (a) Most organic murmurs are 1 Stenosis or insufficiency of val- better heard with patients reclining ; ves. this is also true of innocent murmurs but when the murmur is decidedly •) Congenital deformities including louder in upright position it is in- patent ductus Botalli (ductus nocent. arterious), Patent interauricular septum, (b) A functional murmur is nei- Patent interventricular septum, ther long nor loud ; one exception oc- Muscular bands, curs when the murmur is late in sys- Anomalous chordae tendinae tole and placed as near to the second and papillary muscles. sound as the first, it can be loud and yet be innocent. 3 Vegetations & Sclerotic changes of valves. (c) When a trivial systolic mitral Causes of Functional Murmurs are : murmur becomes louder in reclining posture and a murmur develops as at Stretching of valve rings, the base of the heart and particularly Dilatation of chambers, in the pulmonary area, the murmur Hypertrophy, is innocent. Anemia, Tachycardia, (d) Any heart murmur is loudest at expiration, but if a murmur dis- Fevers, Neurocirculatory asthenia, appears during expiration it belongs Decreased cardiac tone and con- to the innocent type. traction, (e) A systolic murmur of organic Drugs — such as epinephrine. nature gains intensity, but the in- nocent often weakens, as the heart Aids in Diagnosis: rate increases. What can aid us in distinguishing 3 Thirdly, laboratory aids. Parker the organic from the functional mur- and White using three types of mur- murs ? murs — systolic murmurs found in 1 First of all, a complete and mitral stenosis, functional systolic thorough history and physical exam- murmur — systolic murmur occuring ination may reveal information and in mitral regurgitation. physical signs which will help to ex- Law showed the following in their plain the nature of the murmur. This reviews of laboratory aids for diag- requires no elaboration. nosis : 2 Secondly, a thorough study of (a) The anatomical changes assoc- the murmur — William Evans de- iated with mitral stenosis were found scribes some very important clinical to be reflected in the electrocardio- characteristics which help to disting- gram ; a P wave of 3.0 m.m. in height DALHOUSIE MEDICAL JOURNAL 35 in the second lead being found in these changes where considered as a 23%; and a P wave .12 seconds or part of the entire clinical picture, are more in width in any lead being frequently helpful. found in 27% of cases. The changes in organic systolic murmurs were too Pathological Study and Evaluation small to be of diagnostic value. P A pathological survey by Rednick wave is due to spread of impulse at Grasslands Hospital, New York from SA node over auricles. It is may throw some light on the problem normally upright in leads I and II but under discussion. This study included may be flat, diphasic or inverted in an examination of autopsy records of lead III. P wave is not more than 1148 consecutive cases of whom 268 2.5 or 3.0 m.m. high or more than .10 or 23.1% had shown systolic mur- seconds in duration. murs. (b) Enlargement of the left aur- (1) 44 cases or 16.4% showed val- icle usually demonstrated by fluoros- vular incompetence due to, rheumatic copy, was found in 5% of subjects fever, arteriosclerosis, syphilis, and with functional systolic murmurs, in congenital malformation. These pa- 43% with organic systolic murmurs, tients had shown additional signs and and in 72% with mitral stenosis, symptoms of heart involvment, pre- thereby establishing itself of consid- cordial thrills, diastolic murmurs, erable value as a diagnostic criterion. blood pressure changes, cardiac en- (c) Exercise tolerance tests were largement and serological reaction. found to be of no value in differenti- (2) 136 or 58% showed valvular ating between functional and organic deformity but were still competent. systolic murmurs. Changes noted were (a) vegetation (d) Heart sound tracings were nodules and calcification of valve leaf- found to be of value in isolated in- lets ; (b) stretched and scarred val- stances where the precise timing of ves. Some of these represented a a murmur or sound was important. mild stage of rheumatic involvement This was particularly true in regard or various degrees of arteriosclerotic to reduplication of the first heart changes which had become arrested sound and duration of systolic mur- and which were generally regarded murs. These were too uncommon to as functional. These conditions were warrant widespread use of stetho- compatible with long life and the graphic equipment. average age was 73 to 74 years. Thus, in the presence of mitral (3) Aneurysms were found in regurgitation certain x-ray and elec- 1.4% and cardiac hypertrophy in trocardiographic abnormalities fre- 9.3%. quently occur. The percentage is not (3) In 18.1% of cases the heart sufficiently high, nor are the changes was anatomically normal and the ap- highly specific, to constitute a basis pearance of a systolic murmur was for diagnosis to the exclusion of attributed to fever, tachycardia, auscultation. On the other hand, anemia or hypertension. 36 DALHOUSIE ME DICAL JOURNAL Thus in 209 cases or 78.2% some (b) complete cardiac study including pathological cause.
Recommended publications
  • 179 the Pre-Operative Assessment of Acyanotic Pediatric Patients
    179 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Th e Pre-operative Assessment of Acyanotic Pediatric Patients Presented with Heart Murmur and Role of Surgry in congenital heart diseases, A retrospective analysis Dhafer O Alqahtani, Ali A. Alakfash, Omar R .Altamim Abstract Objectives: Th e aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of congenital heart disease in patients referred solely because of heart murmur in pediatric age group and to assess the rule of medical and surgical management in patient with heart defects. Study design: It is retrospective analysis of all paediatric cases who presented with cardiac murmur. Materials and Methods:A retrospective database and echocardiographic review. All patients referred to King Abdulaziz Cardiac Center (KA CC) Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dur- ing the period from July 2007 till March 2009 for cardiovascular evaluation because of heart murmur detected during routine physical exam. We included any pediatric patient from the neonatal period till 14 years of age who had echocardiography in our center. Any patient with cyanosis, those with diff erence in the blood pressure between the upper limbs and lower limbs of more than 15 mmHg, preterm neonates, any acquired heart disease and syndromic and critically ill patients were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 245 patients met the inclusion criteria. Median age and weight is 7 months (one day – 12 years), 7.85 Kg (1.9 – 54 Kg) respectively. Normal echocardiography was pres- ent in 163 patients (66.5%). Th e most encountered anomaly found was patent ductus arte- riosious (PDA) which was diagnosed in 27 patients (11 %) followed by atrial septal defect (ASD) secundum in 26 patients (10.6%), then the VSD in 22 patients (9%), atrio-ventricular septal defect (AVSD) in 1 patient (0.4%), Coarctation of Aorta in 3 patients (1.2%), Tortuous of arch in 1 patients (0.4%), Pulmonary stenosis in 10 patients (4%), Mitral valve prolapse in 4 patients (1.6%) and the false tendon in 6 patients (2.4 %).
    [Show full text]
  • Subclinical Subaortic Stenosis in a Golden Retriever
    CASE ROUTES h CARDIOLOGY h PEER REVIEWED Subclinical Subaortic Stenosis in a Golden Retriever Kursten Pierce, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) Colorado State University THE CASE THE CASE A 12-month-old intact female golden retriever is pre- Diagnostic investigation of the heart murmur via echo- sented for a wellness examination and to discuss the cardiography is discussed with the owner but declined pros and cons of breeding the patient versus pursuing due to the patient’s lack of clinical signs and the costs ovariohysterectomy. The owner would like her to pro- associated with additional testing. duce one litter of puppies prior to being spayed. What are the next steps? On physical examination, the patient is bright, alert, and responsive. She is extremely energetic with a good THE CHOICE IS YOURS … BCS (4/9) and appropriate musculature. Cardiovascu- CASE ROUTE 1 lar examination reveals pink mucous membranes, no To provide information on breeding and caring for a obvious jugular venous distension, and a normal heart pregnant bitch and neonatal puppies and plan to spay rate and rhythm with normal synchronous femoral the patient after the puppies have been weaned, go to pulses. Auscultation is difficult and brief because the page 28. patient is rambunctious and panting. Despite the pant- ing, she is eupneic with clear bronchovesicular sounds. CASE ROUTE 2 A grade II/VI left basilar systolic heart murmur is aus- To avoid providing additional recommendations cultated. A murmur had not previously been docu- regarding breeding and ovariohysterectomy to the mented at her puppy wellness visits. The owner has not owner until a diagnostic investigation with a cardiolo- observed any coughing, trouble breathing, exercise gist has been pursued, go to page 32.
    [Show full text]
  • Sudan's Guidelines for Diagnosis, Management and Prevention
    Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease: Sudan’s Guidelines for Diagnosis, Management and Prevention 1 2 Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health Sudan Heart Society-Working Group on Pediatric Cardiology Sudanese Association of Pediatricians Sudanese Children’s Heart Society Writing Committee: Sulafa Khalid M Ali, FRCPCH, FACC, Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist Professor-University of Khartoum Mohamed Saeed Al Khaleefa, FRCP, Consultant Cardiologist Professor-University of Al Zaem Al Azhari Siragedeen Mohamed Khair, MD, Consultant Pediatrician Professor- University of Al Zaem Al Azhari Second Edition Jan/2017 3 Contents Chapter Title Page Preface 5 Chapter 1 Rheumatic Heart Disease : General Considerations 6 Chapter 2 Diagnosis and Management of Streptococcal 11 Pharyngitis Chapter 3 Acute Rheumatic Fever 15 Chapter 4 Rheumatic Heart Disease 25 Chapter 5 Rheumatic Heart Disease in Pregnancy 49 Chapter 6 Acute Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease 57 Control Appendices Rheumatic Heart Disease Protocols, Manuals, 63 Brochures and Educational Websites 4 Preface to the Second Edition: This is the second edition of Sudan’s Guidelines for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) diagnosis, management and prevention. RHD is a devastating sequel of ARF, initiated by a simple throat infection with group A streptococcus in susceptible population. Eradication of RHD can be achieved by improvement of health care system as has been witnessed in developed countries. In many developing countries like Sudan, RHD is still prevalent causing significant mortality and premature cardiovascular death as well as an undesired burden on the health system. An RHD control program has been established in Sudan in 2012 aiming to increase the awareness of both the public and medical personnel, to introduce primary and consolidate secondary prevention and to strengthen the surveillance system.
    [Show full text]
  • Problems in Family Practice Heart Murmurs in Infants and Children
    Problems in Family Practice Heart Murmurs in Infants and Children Thomas A. Riemenschneider, MD Sacramento, California A system is presented for evaluation of heart murmurs in in­ fants and children. The system places emphasis on identifica­ tion of functional murmurs, which the physician encounters so frequently in daily practice. A three-part approach is presented which includes: (1) evaluation of cardiovascular status, (2) as­ sessment of the heart murmur, and (3) decision regarding the need for further evaluation. This approach relieves the physi­ cian of the necessity to remember the multiple details of the many congenital cardiac lesions, and requires only the knowl­ edge of a few easily remembered details about functional murmurs. The system enables the physician to confidently distinguish organic and functional murmurs and to decide which children need further evaluation and referral to the pediatric cardiologist. The physician who cares for infants, children, with “normal” murmurs for reassurance to the and adolescents will frequently encounter heart parents.2 Using his/her knowledge of the myriad murmurs during the course of a careful physical details of the many congenital cardiac malforma­ examination. It has been estimated that a heart tions, the pediatric cardiologist seeks evidence murmur may be heard at some time in almost that the murmur is due to an organic lesion. The every child.1 Murmurs may be classified as “func­ family physician cannot expect to retain all of tional” (physiologic, normal, benign, or innocent), these details, and therefore often feels in­ or “organic” (associated with an anatomic car­ adequately prepared to assess the child with a diovascular abnormality).
    [Show full text]
  • 数字 Accessory Bronchus 副気管支 Accessory Fissure 副葉間裂
    数字 accentuation 亢進 accessory 副の 数字 accessory bronchus 副気管支 accessory fissure 副葉間裂 10-year survival 10年生存 accessory lobe 副肺葉 18F-fluorodeoxy glucose (FDG) 18F-フルオロデオキシグルコース accessory lung 副肺 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) 2,3ジフォスフォグリセレート accessory nasal sinus 副鼻腔 201TI (thallium-201) タリウム accessory trachea 副気管 5-fluorouracil(FU) 5-フルオロウラシル acclimation 順化 5-HT3 receptor antagonist 5-HT3レセプター拮抗薬 acclimation 馴化 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-ヒドロオキシトリプタミン acclimatization 気候順応 5-year survival 5年生存 acclimatization 順化 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) 99mTc標識大 acclimatization 馴化 凝集アルブミン accommodation 順応 accommodation 調節 accommodation to high altitude 高所順(適)応 A ACE polymorphism ACE遺伝子多型 acetone body アセトン体 abdomen 腹部 acetonuria アセトン尿[症] abdominal 腹部[側]の acetylcholine(ACh) アセチルコリン abdominal breathing 腹式呼吸 acetylcholine receptor (AchR, AChR) アセチルコリン受容体(レセプ abdominal cavity 腹腔 ター) abdominal pressure 腹腔内圧 acetylcholinesterase (AchE, AChE) アセチルコリンエステラーゼ abdominal respiration 腹式呼吸 achalasia アカラシア abdominal wall reflex 腹壁反射 achalasia 弛緩不能症 abduction 外転 achalasia [噴門]無弛緩[症] aberrant 走性 achromatocyte (achromocyte) 無血色素[赤]血球 aberrant 迷入性 achromatocyte (achromocyte) 無へモグロビン[赤]血球 aberrant artery 迷入動脈 acid 酸 aberration 迷入 acid 酸性 ablation 剥離 acid base equilibrium 酸塩基平衡 abnormal breath sound(s) 異常呼吸音 acid fast 抗酸性の abortive 早産の acid fast bacillus 抗酸菌 abortive 頓挫性(型) acid-base 酸―塩基 abortive 不全型 acid-base balance 酸塩基平衡 abortive pneumonia 頓挫[性]肺炎 acid-base disturbance 酸塩基平衡異常 abrasion 剥離 acid-base equilibrium 酸塩基平衡 abscess 膿瘍 acid-base regulation 酸塩基調節 absolute
    [Show full text]
  • Types of Tachycardia and Irritable Heart
    CRITICAL REVIEW TYPES OF TACHYCARDIA AND IRRITABLE HEART. By ALEXANDER GOODALL, M.D., F.R.C.P. Since the war began the practitioner has had to deal with cases of cardiac disturbance which, in many instances, have presented new and difficult problems. The most common has been the "irritable heart" of soldiers, often labelled "D.A.H." or "Effort Syndrome." Influenza was followed by many instances of breathlessness, weakness, i tachycardia, and unfitness, which appear to have had different explana- tions, including severe, and in some cases, permanent myocarditis. Pneumonia, malaria, and other infectious diseases often left symptoms in their train referable to cardiac conditions. The number of published papers dealing with such cases now numbers several hundreds, and the accumulation of experience has given considerable value to the more recent. During the nineteen months which elapsed between the entrance of the United States into the war and the signing of the Armistice, approximately 4,000,000 soldiers were subjected to a special physical examination of their circulatory apparatus by officers specially selected for the work. As a preliminary to our review we may ask with Conner1 whether anything of permanent value has been added, by this enormous inquiry, to our knowledge of cardiac disorders and diagnosis. Conner unhesitatingly answers in the affirmative, and points out that the advance has been made not through refinements of laboratory technique but chiefly through the opportunity afforded such an to examine immense number of young men, and to learn the frequency and the extent of normal variations of the physical signs of the heart.
    [Show full text]
  • Pediatric Cardiology the Essential Pocket Guide
    Pediatric Cardiology The Essential Pocket Guide (021)66485438 66485457 www.ketabpezeshki.com (021)66485438 66485457 www.ketabpezeshki.com Pediatric Cardiology The Essential Pocket Guide THIRD EDITION WalterH.Johnson,Jr.,MD Professor of Pediatrics Department of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Cardiology University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA James H. Moller, MD Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics Adjunct Professor of Medicine University of Minnesota Medical School Minneapolis, MN, USA (021)66485438 66485457 www.ketabpezeshki.com This edition first published 2014 © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd © 2008 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd Registered office: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK Editorial offices: 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford, OX4 2DQ, UK The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, USA For details of our global editorial offices, for customer services and for information about how to apply for permission to reuse the copyright material in this book please see our website at www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell The right of the author to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, without the prior permission of the publisher. Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks.
    [Show full text]
  • Dynamic Auscultation
    TOP 10 TAKEAWAYS… Jane A. Linderbaum MS, APRN, CNP, AACC Assistant Professor of Medicine Department of cardiovascular disease No Disclosures No off-label discussions 73% of survey respondents identified a need for improved knowledge of CV pathophysiology #10 CARDIAC CIRCULATION, KNOW IT AND LOVE IT The Cardiac Cycle The heart sounds • S1 Mitral (and tricuspid) valve closure Soft if poor EF, loud if good EF • S2 Aortic and pulmonary valve closure Loud if aortic (pulm) pressure • S3 – means “restrictive” filling • S4 – means “abnormal” filling Listening Posts for Auscultation AV – 2nd RICS PV – 2nd LICS MV – 5-6th LICS @ the apex TV – 5-6th LICS parasternal 83% of survey respondents identified themselves as early career in clinic/hospital consult practices # 9 COMMON SYSTOLIC MURMURS YOU WILL DIAGNOSE AND MANAGE MITRAL REGURGITATION MR Treatment • Treat underlying conditions • Consider MV repair when possible at experienced center • Consider MV replacement before ventricle dilates and/or function decreases MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE Mitral Valve Prolapse Pearls • CHANGE in Murmur (from click-murmur or isolated late sys murmur to holosystolic without audible click) • Skeletal deformities in up to 50% • Upright posture enhances auscultation of the mid-late systolic murmur • May develop severe MR, refer for additional testing as patient may be candidate for mitral valve repair • Murmur may INCREASE with Valsalva • Typically do not require SBE prophylaxis Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy • Vigorous LV apical impulse – sustained
    [Show full text]
  • Risk Factors
    6262ournal of Epidemiology and Community Health 1996;50:62-67 Epidemiological survey of rheumatic heart J Epidemiol Community Health: first published as 10.1136/jech.50.1.62 on 1 February 1996. Downloaded from disease among school children in the Shimla Hills of northern India: prevalence and risk factors Jarnail S Thakur, Prakash C Negi, Surendra K Ahluwalia, Nand K Vaidya Abstract (RF)/RHD and this constitutes a major health Study objective - To determine the pre- problem.' The extent and nature ofthe problem valence ofrheumatic heart disease (RHD) has been well documented by both hospital and and study the relationship of this disease community based studies. This malady affects to factors such as age, sex, housing, and adversely a large proportion of the population. socioeconomic status in Shimla town and It has been estimated that about two million the adjoining rural area. children are affected by this disease in India. A Design - A cross sectional survey, carried multicentre study on the epidemiology ofRHD, out by a specially trained examiner in car- under the aegis of Indian Council of Medical diology. Research (ICMR) gave the national average of Setting - The study involved high risk RHD prevalence as 6 per thousand in the age school children (5-16 years of age) from group of 5-16 years.2 The only preliminary Shimla town and the adjoining rural area study undertaken in the hilly area of Himachal of Kasumpti-Suni Block in the period Pradesh was in 1956. This showed a prevalence 1992-93. of39 per thousand among the 1515 school chil- Subjects - A total of 15 080 children on the dren in Shimla, the highest prevalence ever re- school register (8120 boys and 6960 girls) ported in India.3 The obvious pitfall ofthis study were examined generally and specifically was that investigatingfacilities were meagre then for evidence of RHD.
    [Show full text]
  • Pathophysiology of Congenital and Valvular
    PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CONGENITAL AND VALVULAR HEART DISEASES VALVULAR HEART DISEASE – CASE STUDY 1 ET is a 60-year-old woman who has been admitted from the emergency room after an episode of syncope. On the day of admission, while in church, she felt a "tingling" in her forehead. This was followed by a sudden loss of consciousness, and she awoke after about 5 minutes. At that time, her mental status was normal, and she had no focal neurologic complaints. Paramedics were called, and they brought her to the emergency room. Additional questioning discloses that about 2 months ago, she had a "gray- out" spell. She has had a known heart murmur since age 40, but she has not been evaluated further nor told she had a "heart problem." She maintains a vigorous life-style and has no history of chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. Physical examination reveals a slightly obese woman in no distress. Her blood pressure is 148/92 mm Hg in both arms. Her heart rate is regular at 74 beats/min. HEENT: normal fundi; no thyromegaly, and carotids are grade 2+ bilaterally with transmitted murmurs. Chest: clear to auscultation. Cardiac: sustained but nondisplaced PMI; carotid upstroke is normal; S1 is normal; a 3/6 midpeaking systolic ejection murmur and an S4 are heard; no diastolic murmur is appreciated. Extremities: no edema, and pulses are full and symmetrical. Neurologic examination findings are normal. What is most probable valvular lesion in this patient? What symptoms and signs confirm that suspition? What is possible cause of that lesion? VALVULAR HEART DISEASE – CASE STUDY 2 A previously healthy but inactive 42-year-old man is seen in the ER after his first episode of syncope, which occurred while he was playing full-court basketball for the first time in 10 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Systolic Murmurs
    Published online: 2019-12-03 THIEME Clinical Rounds 165 Systolic Murmurs Maddury Jyotsna1 1Department of Cardiology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Address for correspondence M. Jyotsna, MD, DM, FACC, FESC, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana, India FICC, Department of Cardiology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082, India (e-mail: [email protected]). Ind J Car Dis Wom 2019;4:165–174 Murmur is the vibration of heart components or great ves- The areas to be auscultated other than above mentioned sels.1 Systolic murmurs are those murmurs that can be heard classical five areas are as follows: between S1 and S2. 1. The right parasternal region, 2. The right and left the base of the neck, Basics of Murmur 3. The right and left carotid arteries, 4. The left axilla, The turbulent flow generates murmurs, but the acoustic 5. The interscapular area. force generated by the turbulence is not sufficient to produce an audible sound on the chest wall.2 Brun proposed the con- cept of vortex shedding for the mechanism of generation of Characteristics of the Systolic Murmur the murmurs. Vortices are produced from the diseased valves or great vessels. These vertices can be produced by increased 1. Intensity (loudness)—Intensity of the systolic murmur flow with normal valves or great vessels. These vortices can is graded into six grades. Grade 1 refers to a murmur so produce sustained vibrations to generate audible murmur on faint that it can be heard only with special effort. A grade 2 the chest wall. murmur is faint but is immediately audible.
    [Show full text]
  • Development of a Knowledge Base for Diagnostic Reasoning in Cardiology
    Reprinted from Computers in Biomedical Research, 25: 292-311, 1992 Development of a Knowledge Base for Diagnostic Reasoning in Cardiology William J. Long, MIT Lab oratory for Computer Science, Cambridge, MA, USA Shapur Naimi and M. G. Criscitiello New England Medical Center Hospital, Boston, MA, USA April 13, 1994 Abstract This pap er rep orts on a formativeevaluation of the diagnostic capabilities of the Heart Failure Program, which uses a probabilitynetwork and a heuristic hyp othesis generator. Using 242 cardiac cases collected from discharge summaries at a tertiary care hospital, we compared the diagnoses of the program to diagnoses collected from cardiologists using the same information as was available to the program. With some adjustments to the knowledge base, the Heart Failure Program pro duces appropriate diagnoses ab out 90% of the time on this training set. The main reasons for the inappropriate diagnoses of the remaining 10% include inadequate reasoning with temp oral relations b etween cause and e ect, severity relations, and indep endence of acute and chronic diseases. This researchwas supp orted by National Institutes of Health Grant No. R01 HL33041 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blo o d Institute and No. R01 LM04493 from the National Library of Medicine. 1 Development of a Knowledge Base ::: 2 1 Intro duction Over the past several years wehavebeendeveloping the Heart Failure Program to assist physicians in reasoning ab out patients with cardiovascular disease. The program takes a description of the case includin g information ab out the history, symptoms, physical examination, and test results, and generates a di erential diagnosis that explains all of the ndings that might indicate cardiovascular disease.
    [Show full text]