Hepatojugular reflux

The congestion of the superficial jugular vein ( external jugular vein ) when pressure is applied to the upper abdominal cavity ( epigastrium , "on the liver") is known as hepatojugular reflux . This form of venous congestion (reflux) is a possible indication of right heart failure .

To do this, continuous pressure is applied to the epigastrium for one minute and the behavior of the external jugular vein is observed. In healthy people, the rise in pressure in the abdomen causes a short-term congestion of the jugular vein, which, however, disappears after a few seconds. In the case of right heart failure, on the other hand, the blood cannot be removed from the heart and the congestion persists.

literature

• Walter Siegenthaler : Siegenthaler's differential diagnosis: internal diseases - from symptom to diagnosis . Georg Thieme Verlag, 2005, ISBN 3-13-344819-6 ( full text in the Google book search).

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !