Water Hammer Pulse
Other Names
- Corrigan Pulse
- Corrigan's Pulse
- Collapsing Pulse
- Watson's Water-Hammer Pulse
Purpose
- Identifies a hyperdynamic arterial pulse.
- Helps raise suspicion for significant aortic regurgitation.
- Assesses for conditions associated with widened pulse pressure.
Description
- Rapid, forceful arterial upstroke.
- Followed by abrupt collapse during diastole.
- Best appreciated at the radial or brachial artery.
- May be accentuated with arm elevation.
Pathology
- Aortic regurgitation
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Arteriovenous fistula
- Hyperthyroidism
- Severe anemia
- Pregnancy
Evidence
Aortic Regurgitation
- Babu et al[2]
- Sensitivity: 38-95%
- Specificity: 16%
See Also
References
- ↑ Hamdulay, K., S. Acharya, S. Kumar, S. Nimkar, N. Batra, N. Pantbalekundri, A. Parepalli, and S. Chabra. “Unveiling an Uncommon Phenomenon: Locomotor Brachialis in Conjunction With Aortic Dilatation and Severe Aortic Regurgitation Featuring Marfanoid Characteristics”. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, vol. 7, no. 11, May 2025, p. 2025511, doi:10.31893/multiscience.2025511.
- ↑ Babu, Arun N., Steven M. Kymes, and Susan M. Carpenter Fryer. "Eponyms and the Diagnosis of Aortic Regurgitation: What Says the Evidence?" Annals of Internal Medicine, vol. 138, no. 9, 2003, pp. 736–742.
Created by:
John Kiel on 23 June 2026 10:45:04
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Last edited:
23 June 2026 12:25:50
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