Murmur Clinic: An Auscultation Expert System

Abstract

Auscultation is a technique used in cardiac physical examination to detect irregularities by analyzing heart sounds. This paper reports on the development of Murmur Clinic, a cardiac auscultation expert system which is able to interpret and analyze auscultatory findings, and performs a tentative diagnosis based on a formalized diagnostic reasoning process. Descriptions of the scope addressed, the design, the diagnostic algorithm used and implementation of the system, as well as a sample session, and a discussion of limitations and possible improvements are presented.