skip to main content

Severe Aortic Stenosis — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyCardiologySevere Aortic StenosisRACP Adult Medicine

A 70-year-old man with a history of ischaemic heart disease presents with exertional dyspnoea and a harsh crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur best heard at the right upper sternal edge, radiating to the carotids. Echo shows a calcified aortic valve with a mean gradient of 55 mmHg, AVA 0.7 cm², and LVEF 60%. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Severe aortic stenosis

A crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur at RUSE radiating to carotids with mean gradient >40 mmHg and AVA <1.0 cm² constitutes severe aortic stenosis. With symptoms (exertional dyspnoea), this is an indication for intervention (SAVR or TAVI depending on surgical risk). LVEF 60% suggests preserved function.

Reference: CSANZ – 2024 – Valvular Heart Disease Guidelines