## **Core Concept**
The patient's presentation suggests a condition affecting the aorta, characterized by high blood pressure, an aortic ejection click, widespread murmurs, and diminished pulses in the lower extremities. This constellation of symptoms points towards a diagnosis involving the aortic valve and/or the aorta itself.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **C. Coarctation of the aorta**, is supported by several key features:
- **High blood pressure**: Coarctation of the aorta, which involves narrowing of the aortic isthmus (usually near the insertion of the ductus arteriosus), leads to hypertension in the arms due to increased resistance to blood flow.
- **Aortic ejection click and murmurs**: The ejection click can be due to a bicuspid aortic valve, which is commonly associated with coarctation of the aorta. The murmurs can be due to the bicuspid valve or the collateral circulation that develops to bypass the coarctation site.
- **Feeble pulses in lower extremities and claudication**: These symptoms result from reduced blood flow to the lower extremities due to the coarctation.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because while it might represent a cardiac issue, the specific details provided do not align with the classic presentation of the conditions listed here (e.g., aortic stenosis might cause an ejection click and hypertension but does not typically cause differential pulses).
- **Option B:** This option does not provide a specific diagnosis but suggests a cardiac issue. The symptoms described are not typical for a straightforward cardiomyopathy or myocarditis.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect because while pulmonary issues can cause murmurs and some degree of exertional dyspnea or claudication-like symptoms, they do not typically cause differential blood pressure readings between the upper and lower extremities or the specific combination of findings described.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that coarctation of the aorta is often associated with a **bicuspid aortic valve** and can present with **differential blood pressure** readings between the upper and lower extremities. A classic physical examination finding is the **delayed or weak femoral pulse** compared to the radial pulse.
## **Correct Answer: C. Coarctation of the aorta.**
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.