Beck's triad

triad

 [tri´ad]

1. an element with a valence of three.

2. a group of three similar bodies, or a complex composed of three items or units.

acute compression triad Beck's triad.

Andersen's triad Andersen's syndrome.

Beck's triad rising venous pressure, falling arterial pressure, and small quiet heart; characteristic of cardiac compression; called also acute compression triad.

Cushing's triad decreased pulse, increased blood pressure, and a widening pulse pressure associated with increased intracranial pressure; it is a late clinical sign and may indicate brainstem herniation.

Hutchinson's triad diffuse interstitial keratitis, labyrinthine disease, and Hutchinson's teeth, seen in congenital syphilis.

Saint's triad hiatus hernia, colonic diverticula, and cholelithiasis.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.