How does mitral stenosis sound upon auscultation?

Mitral stenosis produces a low-pitched mid-diastolic rumble upon auscultation. This sound is primarily due to turbulent blood flow across the narrowed mitral valve during diastole, when the left atrium fills with blood from the pulmonary veins.

As blood is forced through the stenotic valve, the turbulence creates a characteristic rumbling sound that is best heard with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position, often using the bell of the stethoscope. The low-pitched nature of the sound is important because it contrasts with high-pitched sounds associated with other cardiac conditions, making it a key indicator of mitral stenosis.

Mitral stenosis may also be associated with an opening snap due to the rapid opening of the stiff mitral valve, but the main feature of the auscultatory findings is indeed the low-pitched diastolic rumble, which reflects the hemodynamic changes occurring in the heart due to this condition. Understanding these characteristic sounds helps clinicians diagnose and manage mitral stenosis effectively.