Mammary Souffle

The mammary souffle is a systolic-diastolic murmur that can be heard over one or both breasts.

• It is usually discovered in late pregnancy and during postpartum lactation
• It typically disappears at the end of lactation
• It can also be present during adolescence
• It is best heard directly over the breast
• Pressure with a finger or stethoscope in the area where the souffle is best heard may make it disappear
• The origin is probably arterial, which explains the fact that the systolic component begins after a slight delay following the first heart sound
• It is high pitched
• Auscultation suggests that it is superficial
• The character may vary from day to day

Reference: Tabatznik B, Randall TW, Hersch C. The mammary souffle of pregnancy and lactation. Circulation 22:1069, 1960

Back to E-chocardiography Home Page.