The classic auscultatory finding in constrictive pericarditis is an early-diastolic pericardial _____.

Answer

knock

Explanation

The missing word is **knock**. A pericardial knock is a high-pitched sound heard in early diastole when rapid ventricular filling stops suddenly because the constricting pericardium restricts further expansion. The term is an important clinical clue to constrictive pericarditis and distinguishes it from the scratchy friction rub associated with acute pericardial inflammation. **Key takeaway:** The pericardial knock is the classic auscultatory finding in constrictive pericarditis. **Glossary:** **Ventricular filling**: blood entering the ventricles during diastole. **Constrictive pericarditis**: impaired cardiac filling due to a rigid, scarred pericardium.

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