Using internal jugular pulsations as a manometer for right atrial pressure measurements

Abstract

External jugulars are not reliable as an indication of right atrial pressure because of their passage through two right angles and also because they are often not visible. The top level of internal jugular pulsations which are transmitted to the skin of the neck serves as a pulsation manometer. A standard chest angle of 45 degrees and a standard zero at the sternal angle can be used together with a centimeter ruler to give a useful measurement of jugular venous pressure. The use of a carpenter level (spirit level) and a round-bottomed tongue blade measured off in centimeters will allow accurate follow-up. An increase in tone-volume can be detected by the abdominal compression test or abdominojugular test (also known by the outdated terminology of hepatojugular reflux).