Schaeffer's sign

Schaeffer's sign is a clinical sign in which there is a pulsation in the popliteal artery that is synchronous with the heart rate. This sign is often associated with aortic insufficiency and is named after the German physician, Friedrich Schaeffer.

Clinical Significance

Schaeffer's sign is a physical examination finding that is often associated with aortic insufficiency. Aortic insufficiency, also known as aortic regurgitation, is a condition where the aortic valve does not close tightly. This allows some of the blood that was pumped out of the heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle) to leak back into it.

The sign is elicited by palpating the popliteal artery. If the artery is pulsating in sync with the heart rate, this is considered a positive Schaeffer's sign. This sign is not specific to aortic insufficiency and can be seen in other conditions as well.

History

The sign is named after Friedrich Schaeffer, a German physician who first described it.

See Also

• Aortic insufficiency
• Popliteal artery
• Friedrich Schaeffer

References

Schaeffer's sign Resources
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