Acute pericarditis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
A paradoxical rise in jugular venous pressure (JVP) on inspiration is known as Kussmaul's sign. This finding is classic for what condition?
A. Cardiac Tamponade
B. Constrictive Pericarditis
C. Aortic Stenosis
D. Pulmonary Embolism
E. Left-Sided Heart Failure
Answer and topic summary
The answer is B. Constrictive Pericarditis
Kussmaul’s sign is a paradoxical increase in jugular venous pressure (JVP) during inspiration. Normally, the JVP falls during inspiration as the negative intrathoracic pressure enhances venous return to the right heart. In constrictive pericarditis, the rigid, non-compliant pericardium prevents the right ventricle from accommodating this increased venous return, causing blood to back up into the jugular veins and the JVP to rise. This sign can also be seen in restrictive cardiomyopathy.
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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Cardiology ⇒ ⇒
