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'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. It is usually indicative of right ventricular dysfunction along with hypotension and "dry lungs" (absence of pulmonary edema).

Contents

Background

Causes

History

Background

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

Possible causes of Kussmaul's sign include:

★ Constrictive pericarditis

★ Restrictive cardiomyopathy

★ Pericardial effusion

★ Right ventricular infarction

★ Right heart failure

★ cardiac tumours

History

Kussmaul's sign is named after the German doctor who first described it, Adolph Kussmaul (1822-1902) [1]. He is also credited with describing Kussmaul breathing.