Quincke's sign
System: Heart & Circulation Signs · All heart & circulation signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Visible pulsing blanching and flushing of the nail beds when the tip of the nail is lightly pressed — capillary pulsation.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with aortic regurgitation and other wide pulse pressure states.
◈ Behind the name
Heinrich Irenaeus Quincke (1842–1922), German physician.
Related signs — Heart & Circulation Signs
Browse the Q section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
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.