Which arterial pulse is classically described as a rapid upstroke and collapse of the arterial pulse, associated with aortic regurgitation?

Which arterial pulse is classically described as a rapid upstroke and collapse of the arterial pulse, associated with aortic regurgitation?

• A. Corrigan's pulse
• B. Duroziez's sign
• C. Quincke sign
• D. Traube sign

Answer: (A)

Aortic regurgitation causes a large, bounding pulse with a very rapid upstroke and a quick collapse because of a wide pulse pressure: blood surges into the arterial system during systole and then rushes back into the left ventricle during diastole, dropping the diastolic pressure. The result is a pulse that rises sharply and then collapses just as quickly—the hallmark described as a water-hammer or Corrigan’s pulse. This rapid upstroke and collapse captures the essence of the strong, bounding pulse seen with AR. Other peripheral signs—like a transient femoral murmur when the artery is compressed, capillary pulsations seen in the nail bed, or pistol-shot sounds over the arteries—reflect the same wide pulse pressure and turbulent flow but don’t define the rapid upstroke and collapse as precisely as Corrigan’s pulse.

Aortic regurgitation causes a large, bounding pulse with a very rapid upstroke and a quick collapse because of a wide pulse pressure: blood surges into the arterial system during systole and then rushes back into the left ventricle during diastole, dropping the diastolic pressure. The result is a pulse that rises sharply and then collapses just as quickly—the hallmark described as a water-hammer or Corrigan’s pulse. This rapid upstroke and collapse captures the essence of the strong, bounding pulse seen with AR.

Other peripheral signs—like a transient femoral murmur when the artery is compressed, capillary pulsations seen in the nail bed, or pistol-shot sounds over the arteries—reflect the same wide pulse pressure and turbulent flow but don’t define the rapid upstroke and collapse as precisely as Corrigan’s pulse.