Hepatojugular reflux: useful in the bedside diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation

Ann Intern Med. 1984 Dec;101(6):781-2. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-101-6-781.

Abstract

Using phonocardiography and auscultation, we ascertained the presence or absence of hepatojugular reflux and Carvallo's maneuver in three groups of 15 patients. The first group had isolated tricuspid regurgitation; the second, isolated mitral regurgitation; and the third was a control group with no murmurs. The specificity and sensitivity of hepatojugular reflux were 100% and 66%, and those of Carvallo's maneuver were 100% and 80%. All but 1 patient in our series had a positive response to one or the other maneuver (combined sensitivity, 93%). Thus, hepatojugular reflux is a useful adjunct to Carvallo's maneuver in the diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Endocarditis / complications
  • Endocarditis / physiopathology
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Heart Murmurs
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins / physiology*
  • Liver / physiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pressure
  • Reflex / physiology*
  • Respiration
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / diagnosis*
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / etiology