(koos'mowl‵ )

[Ger. physician, 1822–1902.]

K.'s breathing A very deep, repetitive, gasping respiratory pattern associated with profound acidosis, e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis. It may be a sign of impending death. SYN: acidotic breathing; Kussmaul respiration.

K.'s disease An infrequently used eponym for polyarteritis nodosa.

K.'s respiration Kussmaul breathing.

K. sign Elevation of the neck veins and of the central venous pressure during inspiration. It is a visible indication of pericardial effusion or tamponade or of other disorders that affect the filling of the right side of the heart, e.g., severe obstructive lung disease.