Kussmauls Sign
Other Names
- Kussmaul sign
- Inspiratory rise in jugular venous pressure
- Paradoxical rise in JVP with inspiration
- Inspiratory jugular venous distention
- Kussmaul's Sign
Purpose
- To identify conditions associated with impaired right ventricular filling or reduced right ventricular compliance
Description
- The patient is positioned at approximately 30–45 degrees
- The examiner observes the jugular venous pulse while the patient breathes normally and during a deep inspiration
- Positive Sign
- Jugular venous pressure rises during inspiration
- Increased jugular venous distention with inspiration
Pathology
- Constrictive Pericarditis
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
- Right ventricular infarction
- Severe right-sided heart failure
- Tricuspid stenosis
- Right ventricular dysfunction
- Occasionally massive pulmonary embolism
Evidence
Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction
- Dube et al[1]
- Sensitivity: 62.5%
- Specificity: 90%
See Also
References
- ↑ Dubé, Emily, et al. "Kussmaul’s sign for the diagnosis of right ventricular myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies." Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine 23.2 (2021): 185-194.
Created by:
John Kiel on 15 June 2026 18:39:38
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Last edited:
15 June 2026 22:05:47
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