Estimating pressure gradients by auscultation: How technology (echocardiography) can help improve clinical skills

To extend our previously-published experience in estimating pressure gradients (PG) via physical examination in a large patient cohort.

From January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2009, an attending pediatric cardiologist compared clinical examination (EXAM) with Doppler-echo (ECHO), in 1193 patients with pulmonic stenosis (PS, including tetralogy of Fallot), aortic stenosis (AS), and ventricular septal defect (VSD). EXAM PG estimates were based primarily on a murmur's pitch, grade, and length. ECHO peak instantaneous PG was derived from the modified Bernoulli equation. Patients were 0-38.4 years old (median 4.8).

For all patients, EXAM correlated highly with ECHO: ECHO = 0.99 (EXAM) + 3.2 mmHg; r = +0.89; P < 0.0001. Agreement was excellent (mean difference = -2.9 ± 16.1 mmHg). In 78% of all patients, agreement between EXAM and ECHO was within 15 mmHg and within 5 mmHg in 45%. Clinical estimates of PS PG were more accurate than of AS and VSD. A palpable precordial thrill and increasing loudness of the murmur predicted higher gradients (P < 0.0001). Weight did not influence accuracy. A learning curve was evident, such that the most recent quartile of patients showed ECHO = 1.01 (EXAM) + 1.9, r = +0.92, P < 0.0001; during this time, the attending pediatric cardiologist had been > 10 years in practice.

Clinical examination can accurately estimate PG in PS, AS, or VSD. Continual correlation of clinical findings with echocardiography can lead to highly accurate diagnostic skills.