Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Unequal Pulses
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A difference in blood pressure between arms or between the arms and legs. Examination of the vascular system is imperative. Unequal pulses can be indicative of an underlying disease.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
In alphabetical order. [1] [2]
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Aortic Dissection
- Aortic isthmus stenosis (arms & legs)
- Aortic stenosis
- Atherosclerosis
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Compartment Syndrome
- Hemiplegia
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Stenosis of the brachiocephalic trunk
- Subclavian-Steal Syndrome
- Subclavian artery abnormality/stenosis
- Syphilis
- Takayasu’s Arteritis(pulseless disease)
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Vasculitis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
- Pulsatile abdominal mass
- Atrophic changes and dependent rubor
- continuous murmur
- asymmetric blood pressure
- ABI of systolic pressure <0.9
Severe ischemia
- <0.5 ABI of systolic pressure
Chest X Ray
- potentially reveals
-
- pleural effusion
- tracheal deviation
- “rib notching”
- intercostal artery collateral channels in coarctation of the aorta.
MRA and CT
- used to diagnose Takayasu’s arteritis, aortic aneurysm, peripheral artery disease
- MRA, trasesophageal echocardiogram, CT -> aortic dissection
Other Imaging Findings
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] The content on this page was first contributed by C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]