jugular venous distension (JVD)

Introduction

Distension of the jugular vein. Normally the jugular veins are not visible when the patient is sitting up.

Etiology

• biventricular failure
• constrictive pericarditis
• pericardial tamponade
• restrictive cardiomyopathy
• cor pulmonale (especially pulmonary embolus)
• superior vena cava obstruction
• thyromegaly

Pathology

• secondary to increased central venous pressure & right-sided heart failure
• pressure from an enlarged thyroid gland may distend neck veins

More general terms

• sign/symptom

Additional terms

• jugular venous pressure
• Kussmaul's sign