The word "catatricrotism" is a tongue twister with an intricate spelling. It is pronounced as /kætətrɪˈkrɒtɪzəm/, with stress on the "tri". The IPA phonetic transcription reveals that the word consists of the root "catatricrot" and the suffix "-ism". The root refers to a double beat in a pulse, while the suffix denotes a practice or philosophy. The term is mainly employed in medical contexts to describe the sound of the arterial pulse in certain pathological conditions. Spelling it correctly is a challenge!
Catatricrotism is a term derived from the medical field, specifically cardiology, where it describes a condition related to abnormal heart sounds. The term is used to refer to a rare and unusual phenomenon in which there is a double beating or "double impulse" heard during the examination of the heart with a stethoscope. This condition is characterized by a distinct and repeated accentuation of the second heart sound.
Generally, during a cardiac examination, the sounds produced by the heart are divided into two phases, known as systole and diastole. The normal heart sounds consist of "lub-dub," with the "lub" sound being the first heart sound (S1) and the "dub" sound being the second heart sound (S2).
However, in cases of catatricrotism, there is an abnormality in the timing or intensity of the second heart sound, resulting in a double impulse. This phenomenon can be attributed to various underlying causes such as certain heart valve disorders, abnormal blood flow patterns in the heart, or structural abnormalities within the heart.
Due to its rarity and specific association with cardiac abnormalities, catatricrotism is primarily recognized and referenced within the medical community. Its identification and interpretation play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular complications, aiding healthcare professionals in providing appropriate treatment for patients experiencing this cardiac phenomenon.
The condition in which the pulse curve is catatricrotic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.