Tricuspid stenosis sounds like which condition?

• A. Aortic stenosis
• B. Mitral stenosis
• C. Tricuspid regurgitation
• D. Pulmonary stenosis

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that stenotic valves produce a diastolic rumble from turbulent flow across the narrowed opening. Tricuspid stenosis and mitral stenosis involve different valves but—because both are diastolic murmurs caused by valve narrowing—the sounds can resemble one another. Tricuspid stenosis is heard best along the left lower sternal border and often changes with breathing, while mitral stenosis is classically heard as a diastolic rumble at the apex with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position. So tricuspid stenosis sounds like mitral stenosis.