What is the cause of a Cole-Cecil murmur (mitral regurgitation murmur)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 19, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

A Cole-Cecil murmur is caused by mitral regurgitation, which can result from various mechanisms, including mitral valve annulus dilatation, papillary muscle dysfunction, or papillary muscle rupture, as seen in patients with acute myocardial infarction 1. The most common causes of mitral regurgitation include:

  • Mitral valve annulus dilatation due to left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction
  • Papillary muscle dysfunction, usually due to inferior myocardial infarction
  • Papillary muscle rupture, which typically presents as a sudden haemodynamic deterioration These mechanisms can lead to the development of a mitral regurgitation murmur, which is often characterized as a holosystolic or pansystolic murmur, best heard at the apex 1. It's essential to note that the severity of mitral regurgitation is best assessed by color Doppler-echocardiography, and the diagnosis should be established based on a combination of clinical findings, echocardiography, and other diagnostic tests 1. In some cases, mitral regurgitation can be asymptomatic, but it can also lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations, particularly if left untreated or if it progresses to heart failure 1. The management of mitral regurgitation depends on the underlying cause, severity, and symptoms, and may involve medical therapy, surgical intervention, or a combination of both 1.

From the Research

Cause of Cole-Cecil Murmur

The Cole-Cecil murmur is associated with mitral regurgitation. However, the provided studies focus on aortic regurgitation, not mitral regurgitation.

Relevant Information on Mitral Regurgitation

  • There are no research papers provided to directly answer the question about the cause of a Cole-Cecil murmur (mitral regurgitation murmur) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The studies provided discuss aortic regurgitation, its diagnosis, treatment, and management, but do not address mitral regurgitation or the Cole-Cecil murmur.
  • Key points from the studies on aortic regurgitation include:
    • Aortic regurgitation is characterized by retrograde blood flow from the aorta to the left ventricle 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
    • The clinical presentation of aortic regurgitation depends on the severity of the regurgitation and whether it develops acutely or chronically 2, 3, 4, 5.
    • Echocardiography is a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing aortic regurgitation and its effects on the left ventricle 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Aortic Regurgitation: Review of Current Management.

Dimensions of critical care nursing : DCCN, 2024

Research

Aortic Regurgitation.

Current cardiology reports, 2019

Research

Aortic regurgitation: disease progression and management.

Nature clinical practice. Cardiovascular medicine, 2008

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.