A lady presented with dyspnea and palpitations. On examination there was a non ejection click. Next investigation is: March 2009
**Core Concept**
The non-ejection click is a hallmark auscultatory finding in **mitral valve prolapse (MVP)**, caused by sudden tensing of the mitral chordae tendineae during systole. This condition often leads to **mitral regurgitation**, which explains symptoms like dyspnea and palpitations. Confirming the diagnosis requires imaging of the mitral valve.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
**Echocardiography** is the gold standard for diagnosing mitral valve abnormalities. It visualizes the **prolapsed mitral leaflet**, assesses regurgitation severity, and evaluates left ventricular function. The non-ejection clickβs timing (mid-systolic) and association with MVP make echocardiography the next logical step, as it directly confirms the structural pathology.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A: Chest X-ray** β May show cardiomegaly or pulmonary congestion but lacks specificity for valvular pathology.
**Option C: Electrocardiogram (ECG)** β Detects arrhythmias or ischemia but not structural valve defects.
**Option D: Stress test** β Indicated for ischemic heart disease, not for diagnosing MVP or regurgitation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember the **"click-murmur" sequence** in MVP: a **non-ejection click** (prolapse) followed by a **holosystolic murmur** (regurgitation). Always order **echo** when this auscultatory finding is present. Avoid relying solely on symptoms or nonspecific tests like CXR or ECG.
**Correct Answer: B. Echocardiography**