Kussmaul's sign

Kussmaul's sign

n.

An indication of cardiac tamponade in which an increase in venous distention and pressure occurs during inspiration.

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Kussmaul's sign

Etymology: Adolf Kussmaul; L, signum, mark

1 a paradoxic rise in venous pressure with distension of the jugular veins during inspiration, as seen in constrictive pericarditis or mediastinal tumor.

2 conditions of convulsions and coma associated with a GI disorder caused by absorption of a toxic substance.