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Peripheral Pulses

Our patient’s peripheral pulses are hyperkinetic.

Markedly enhanced, or hyperkinetic pulses, may occur when there is an increased velocity of contraction associated with an increased stroke volume, or preload, and a decreased resistance, or afterload. Causes include significant aortic regurgitation, patent ductus arteriosus, and a peripheral arteriovenous fistulae.

When there is a very wide pulse pressure, several peripheral pulse findings may occur, including: Corrigan's or a waterhammer pulse, demonstrating abrupt distension and collapse; Traube's sign or pistol shot sounds, referring to sharp systolic sounds heard over the femoral arteries; Duroziez' sign, consisting of systolic and diastolic "to and fro" bruits heard over the femoral arteries using light pressure on the stethoscope; and Quincke's sign, referring to visible capillary pulsations with alternate blanching and flushing of the nail beds.