An absent carotid pulse may indicate critical aortic stenosis

Abstract

In severe valvular aortic stenosis, obstruction to ventricular contraction results in prolonged ventricular systole and diminished peak flow velocity. This may translate into weak or impalpable peripheral arterial pulses. We report a case of severe aortic stenosis associated with an impalpable carotid pulse (in the absence of local carotid artery disease) that became easily detectable following aortic valve replacement. In the presence of an aortic stenosis murmur, a weak or impalpable carotid pulse is indicative of critical aortic stenosis and warrants urgent investigation.