Abdominojugular test

System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Firm, sustained pressure over the abdomen for about ten seconds makes the neck veins rise and stay raised, instead of settling back (hepatojugular reflux).

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with right heart failure and raised right-sided filling pressures.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.