Differential Diagnosis for Popping Heart Sound
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP): This condition is characterized by the prolapse of a thickened or redundant mitral valve leaflet into the left atrium during systole, often producing a mid-systolic click and sometimes a late systolic murmur. The "popping" sound could be related to the click associated with MVP.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Tricuspid Regurgitation: This condition can cause a systolic murmur that may be perceived as a "popping" sound due to the regurgitant flow across the tricuspid valve.
- Aortic Root Dilatation: An enlarged aortic root can lead to aortic regurgitation, which might produce an early diastolic murmur, but the dilatation itself could cause abnormal heart sounds.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium can lead to a pericardial friction rub, which might be described as a "popping" or scratching sound.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Aortic Dissection: Although less common, a sudden, severe tearing chest pain is more typical, an aortic dissection could potentially alter heart sounds in a way that might be perceived as "popping" due to the disruption of normal aortic flow.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A large pulmonary embolism could lead to acute right heart strain, potentially altering heart sounds, though this is less directly related to a "popping" sound.
- Rare diagnoses
- Cardiac Tumors (e.g., atrial myxoma): These can cause abnormal heart sounds due to obstruction of blood flow or interference with valve function.
- Congenital Heart Defects (e.g., Ebstein's anomaly): Certain defects can lead to abnormal heart sounds, including those that might be described as "popping," due to the structural anomalies of the heart.