Jump to content

Abdominojugular test

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Hepatojugular reflux)
Abdominojugular test
SynonymsAbdominojugular reflux, hepatojugular reflux
PurposeDiagnosis of right ventricle dysfunction

The abdominojugular test, also known as abdominojugular reflux (AJR), is a physical examination test useful in diagnosing right ventricle dysfunction, particularly right ventricular failure.[1]

AJR is a test for measuring jugular venous pressure (JVP) through the distention of the internal jugular vein. A positive AJR test correlates with the pulmonary artery pressure and thus is a marker for right heart dysfunction,[2] specifically right ventricular failure.[1]

Reflux in this context means backup of the circulatory system and is not to be confused with reflex.[3]

Procedure

[edit]

The clinician presses firmly over either the right upper quadrant of the abdomen (i.e., over the liver) or over the center of the abdomen [2] for 10 seconds with a pressure of 20 to 35 mm Hg while observing the swelling of the internal jugular vein in the neck and also observing to be sure the patient does not perform a Valsalva maneuver.[4]

On an otherwise healthy individual, the jugular venous pressure remains constant or temporarily rises for a heartbeat or two, before returning to normal. This negative result would be indicated by a lack of swelling of the jugular vein. Negative abdominojugular reflux is seen in Budd-Chiari syndrome.

A positive result is variously defined as either a sustained rise in the JVP of at least 3 cm or more [4] or a fall of 4 cm or more [2] after the examiner releases pressure. The AJR has a reported sensitivity of 24% [5] to 72% [2] and a specificity of 93% to 96%. The large discrepancy in sensitivity may be explained by the higher value being reported during performance in optimal conditions of a cardiac lab while the lower value was from a study in an emergency department.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Wiese, J. (July 2000). "The abdominojugular reflux sign". American Journal of Medicine. 109 (1): 59–61. doi:10.1016/s0002-9343(00)00443-5. PMID 10936479.
  2. ^ a b c d Ewy G (1988). "The abdominojugular test: technique and hemodynamic correlates". Annals of Internal Medicine. 109 (6): 456–60. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-109-6-456. PMID 3415106.
  3. ^ Elsevier, Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, Elsevier.
  4. ^ a b Cook D, Simel D (1996). "The Rational Clinical Examination. Does this patient have abnormal central venous pressure?". JAMA. 275 (8): 630–4. doi:10.1001/jama.1996.03530320054034. PMID 8594245.
  5. ^ Marantz P, Kaplan M, Alderman M (1990). "Clinical diagnosis of congestive heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea". Chest. 97 (4): 776–81. doi:10.1378/chest.97.4.776. PMID 2182296.