Becker's sign

Becker's sign
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Visible pulsation of the retina
Complications	N/A
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Aortic regurgitation
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Other causes of retinal pulsation
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Treatment of underlying aortic regurgitation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on the severity of the underlying condition
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Becker's sign is a clinical sign in medicine that is used to diagnose aortic insufficiency. It is named after the American cardiologist, Samuel J. Becker, who first described it in 1942.

Definition

Becker's sign is the visible pulsation of the retinal arteries, observed during ophthalmoscopy, in patients with aortic insufficiency. This sign is caused by the increased pressure in the aorta during systole, which is transmitted to the retinal arteries.

Clinical significance

Becker's sign is one of several clinical signs that can be used to diagnose aortic insufficiency. However, it is not specific for this condition and can also be seen in other diseases that cause increased pressure in the aorta, such as hypertension and aortic aneurysm.

See also

• Aortic insufficiency
• Clinical sign
• Ophthalmoscopy
• Retinal artery
• Samuel J. Becker