Kussmaul's sign is the observation of a jugular venous pressure (JVP, the filling of the jugular vein) that rises with inspiration. It can be seen in some forms of heart disease.

Background

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Ordinarily the JVP falls with inspiration due to reduced pressure in the expanding thoracic cavity. Kussmaul's sign suggests impaired filling of the right ventricle due to either fluid in the pericardial space or a poorly compliant myocardium or pericardium.

Causes

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Possible causes of Kussmaul's sign include:

• Cardiac tamponade (rare)
• Constrictive pericarditis
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• Right ventricular infarction

History

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Kussmaul's sign is named after the German doctor who first described it, Adolph Kussmaul (1822-1902) ^*. He is also credited with describing Kussmaul breathing.

Cardiology | Eponymous medical signs