Which arterial pulse abnormality is characteristically found in severe chronic aortic regurgitation?

• A Pulsus parvus et tardus
• B Pulsus bisferiens ✓
• C Pulsus alternans
• D Pulsus paradoxus greater than 10 mmHg

Explanation

Severe chronic aortic regurgitation produces a large-volume, rapidly rising pulse with two systolic peaks (bisferiens), caused by a dominant percussion wave plus a tidal wave from diastolic run-off and elastic recoil. Pulsus parvus et tardus defines aortic stenosis, pulsus alternans signals severe left ventricular systolic failure, and exaggerated pulsus paradoxus points to tamponade or severe asthma. Bisferiens also appears when significant AR accompanies aortic stenosis.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.