MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

CARDIOLOGY

VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
You’re auscultating for heart sounds in a 3-year-old girl and hear an s3. You assess the sound to be a:
A
normal finding
B
probable signs of heart failure
C
possible signs of atrial septal defect
D
probable sign of mitral stenosis
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -A S3 can be a normal finding in children, pregnant females and well-trained athletes; however, a S4 heart sound is almost always abnormal. CLINICAL PEARL: A S3 heart sound is often a sign of systolic heart failure, however it may sometimes be a normal finding.

Detailed explanation-2: -The third heart sound is the initial clue suggesting left heart failure and is associated with severe mitral regurgitation, a low ejection fraction, restrictive diastolic filling, functionally severe heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality (2, 3).

Detailed explanation-3: -The third heart sound (S3) is a normal finding in children. S3 results from the ventricular wall not expanding fully, which causes early diastole. The sound is also related to rapid filling of the ventricle.

Detailed explanation-4: -Third Heart Sound S3 Results from increased atrial pressure leading to increased flow rates, as seen in congestive heart failure, which is the most common cause of a S3. Associated dilated cardiomyopathy with dilated ventricles also contribute to the sound.

There is 1 question to complete.