Case 27 Cardiology

Elevated JVP

Work it one clue at a time. The diagnosis stays hidden until you reveal it.

Clue 1

I was in the hospital with a group of students when a cardiologist spotted us. “Go see the patient in such and such room, you might like his exam.”

So we go in blind.

We notice that he’s young (30s). Next, we examine the neck. Here he is in the upright position.

Clue 2

JVP is elevated and Kussmaul’s sign is present. Normally the JVP goes down with inspiration.

In addition to Kussmaul’s sign, there is a second qualitative finding, better seen in this video. What part of the waveform catches your eye? Outward or inward?

Clue 3

The students start to name the things that could cause Kussmaul’s sign as well as giant a-waves. The as-yet unknown diagnosis is among their hypotheses. Before we listen, we anticipate. The ears can’t hear what the mind doesn’t know.

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