Which description matches aortic valve insufficiency murmur?

• A. Systolic murmur best heard at the apex
• B. Diastolic decrescendo murmur heard at the left sternal border
• C. Continuous murmur in the aortic area
• D. Murmur with crescendo-decrescendo systolic pattern

Answer: (B)

Aortic valve insufficiency causes blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. This regurgitant flow creates an early to mid diastolic murmur that is high-pitched and decrescendo, starting soon after the opening of diastole and diminishing as the pressure gradient decreases. It is best heard along the left sternal border, often with the patient leaning forward and exhaling to accentuate the sound.

This pattern fits diastolic decrescendo murmurs, distinguishing it from systolic murmurs (which occur during systole) or continuous murmurs (which persist throughout both systole and diastole). For comparison, a systolic murmur at the apex points more toward mitral valve issues; a continuous murmur at the aortic area suggests a patent ductus arteriosus; and a crescendo-decrescendo systolic pattern is typical of aortic stenosis.