How Do You Spell PULSUS INTERCURRENS?

1. Pulsus intercurrens is a medical term used to describe an alternating or alternating pulse. It refers to an abnormal pulsation where the intensity of the pulse alternates regularly between strong and weak beats, resulting in an irregular pattern. This condition typically affects the peripheral arteries, such as the radial or brachial arteries.

   Pulsus intercurrens is often associated with several underlying health conditions, including aortic regurgitation, aortic dissection, and cardiac tamponade. In aortic regurgitation, the aortic valve fails to close properly, leading to the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. This abnormal flow creates a characteristic pulse pattern with strong and weak beats. Aortic dissection refers to a tear in the inner lining of the aorta, causing blood to flow between the layers of the arterial wall. This disrupts the normal blood flow and can produce an alternating pulse. Lastly, cardiac tamponade involves the accumulation of fluid or blood in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, compressing the heart and impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This compression can give rise to a pulsus intercurrens.

   Diagnosing the cause of pulsus intercurrens requires a thorough medical assessment, including physical examination, medical history, and potentially additional diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram or angiography. Once the underlying condition is identified, treatment will be focused on managing the specific cause, which may involve medication, surgery, or other interventions to restore normal blood flow and prevent complications.

2. An occasional strong dicrotic pulse-wave giving the impression of an intercurrent ventricular contraction.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PULSUS INTERCURRENS

The word "pulsus intercurrens" is a Latin term used in medical terminology. To break down its etymology, we can look at the constituent parts:

1. "Pulsus": This is the Latin word for "pulse", which refers to the rhythmic throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them due to the pumping of the heart.

2. "Intercurrens": This is a Latin term derived from the verb "intercurrere", which means "to run between" or "to intervene". The suffix "-ens" denotes the present participle form of the verb, implying that something is occurring or happening.

Therefore, "pulsus intercurrens" essentially means "intervening pulse" or "an irregular or alternating pulse". In medical contexts, it refers to a pulse pattern that deviates from the regular rhythm.