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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
The jugular and hepatic tracings in normal subjects and in conduction defects
Insights
This study revises jugular and hepatic venous tracings in 40 subjects, including those with heart conditions. Findings reveal distinct wave patterns in normal individuals and patients with atrioventricular block, offering insights into venous system mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Non-invasive venous tracings like jugular and hepatic provide insights into cardiovascular function.
- Understanding venous wave patterns is crucial for diagnosing cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise and statistically evaluate the patterns of jugular and hepatic venous tracings.
- To investigate the cause of specific venous waves by studying patients with heart blocks.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of jugular and hepatic tracings in 40 subjects (30 normal, 10 with left heart conditions).
- Statistical evaluation of wave onset and peak times.
- Inclusion of 14 bundle branch block and 10 atrioventricular block cases.
Main Results:
- Observed a double A wave in normal subjects and over half of AV block patients.
- Frequent occurrence of a double C wave, requiring distinct labeling (t and C).
- Identified variations in V and H waves in hepatic tracings, including double V or small V followed by large H waves.
Conclusions:
- The study clarifies venous wave patterns in normal and pathological states.
- Findings suggest the transmission of left-sided mechanical events to the right atrium and venous system.
- This research aids in understanding the mechanisms behind venous wave generation.
Abstract:
The present study is a revision of the patterns of the jugular and hepatic tracings, two non-invasive tracings of the venous system. The study was performed in 40 subjects; 30 of them were normal while 10 had minor conditions affecting the left heart. The time of onset and peak of the various waves was statistically evaluated in this series. In addition, 14 cases of bundle branch block and 10 cases of grade 2 or 3 atrioventricular block were studied in order to better determine the cause of certain waves. Among the findings are: 1) the presence of a double A wave in 5 normals and in over one-half of the patients with AV block; 2) the frequent occurrence of a double C wave (an occurrence that required the labeling of the two peaks as t and C both in normal subjects and in clinical cases); 3) the possibility of either a double V wave or a small V wave, followed by a large H wave, especially in hepatic tracings. The mechanism of the various waves is discussed and the possible transmission of left-sided mechanical events to the right atrium and the venous system is postulated.
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