From the Guidelines
Corrigan's sign, also known as water-hammer pulse, is primarily caused by aortic regurgitation (AR).
Key Factors
- This condition is characterized by the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole, leading to a sudden and forceful pulse 1.
- The main causes of AR include idiopathic dilatation of the aorta, congenital abnormalities of the aortic valve, calcific degeneration, rheumatic disease, infective endocarditis, and systemic hypertension 1.
- Disease of either the aortic leaflets or the aortic root can distort the leaflets and prevent their correct apposition, resulting in AR 1.
Associated Conditions
- Other conditions that can lead to AR include Marfan syndrome, aortic dissection, collagen vascular disease, and syphilis 1.
- The Carpentier's classification is used to describe the mechanism of AR, and careful aortic valve analysis is mandatory in patients with AR 1.
Clinical Implications
- The water-hammer pulse is a key clinical feature of AR, and its presence can aid in the diagnosis of this condition 1.
- Accurate diagnosis and management of AR are crucial to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes 1.
From the Research
Causes of Corrigan's Sign (Water-Hammer Pulse)
- Corrigan's pulse is characterized by the abrupt distension and quick collapse of carotid arteries in aortic regurgitation 2
- Water hammer pulse is the characteristic pulse observed in peripheral arteries, similar to Corrigan's pulse 2
- Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a valvular disease that can cause Corrigan's sign, characterized by retrograde blood flow from the aorta to the left ventricle 3, 4, 5
- The wide pulse pressure and systolic hypertension associated with AR can lead to peripheral physical findings such as bounding pulses, which are similar to Corrigan's sign 3
- Another possible cause of a "water hammer" effect is a blunt cardiac trauma, such as a fall from height, which can cause cardiac rupture 6