What heart murmur is often associated with mitral valve prolapse?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Mitral valve prolapse is characterized by the abnormal movement of the mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This abnormal motion can generate a specific type of heart murmur known as a mid-systolic click or an ejection click, which is often described as a "click" sound occurring typically just after the first heart sound (S1). This click is caused by the sudden tension of the chordae tendineae when the prolapsing mitral valve leaflets abruptly come to rest in the left atrium.

Additionally, in some cases, mitral valve prolapse can lead to mitral regurgitation over time, which is a separate sound associated with the backflow of blood into the left atrium during systole; however, the primary and most notable auscultation finding of pure mitral valve prolapse is the characteristic click. In this context, the ejection click associated with mitral valve prolapse is the key auscultatory finding that indicates this condition, making it the most relevant choice in this scenario.

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