PULSUS BISFERIENS Meaning and
Definition
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Pulsus bisferiens is a medical term used to describe a specific type of arterial pulse that is characterized by having two peaks during each cardiac cycle. The term is derived from the Latin words "pulsus," meaning pulse, "bi" meaning two, and "sferiens" meaning bearing or carrying.
This condition is commonly observed in patients with certain cardiac conditions, such as aortic regurgitation or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. It is considered a classic physical exam finding in these cases. The two peaks of the pulse are caused by two distinct forceful ejections of blood during ventricular systole.
The arterial pulse waveform is typically described as having two sharp systolic peaks, followed by a small dip or notch in between the peaks. This dicrotic notch is caused by a brief moment of aortic valve closure and sudden decrease in aortic pressure before it reopens due to the regurgitant flow or obstruction. The presence of this pulse pattern can provide important diagnostic information regarding the underlying cardiac condition.
Clinicians may detect pulsus bisferiens during a physical examination by palpating the radial or carotid artery. Additionally, it can be assessed using various cardiovascular monitoring devices. Proper identification and interpretation of this unique pulse pattern can help guide further diagnostic investigations and treatment decisions.
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One in which the systole is marked by a double beat, the second being stronger than the first.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PULSUS BISFERIENS
Etymology of PULSUS BISFERIENS
The word "pulsus bisferiens" comes from Latin. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Pulsus: Derived from the Latin verb "pulsare", meaning "to beat" or "to strike". It is related to the noun "pulsus", which means "a beating" or "a stroke".
2. Bis: Latin word meaning "twice" or "in two ways".
3. Feriens: Derived from the Latin verb "ferire", meaning "to strike" or "to hit". Adding the suffix "-iens" creates the present participle form, which translates to "striking" or "hitting".
Therefore, "pulsus bisferiens" in Latin refers to a pulse that has a double beat or a pulse with two separate peak waves during each heartbeat.
