Pericardial friction rub

A pericardial friction rub, also pericardial rub, is an audible medical sign used in the diagnosis of pericarditis. Upon auscultation, this sign is an extra heart sound of to-and-fro character, typically with three components, two systolic and one diastolic.[1] It resembles the sound of squeaky leather and often is described as grating, scratching, or rasping. The sound seems very close to the ear and may seem louder than or may even mask the other heart sounds. The sound usually is best heard between the apex and sternum but may be widespread.

  1. ^ Tingle LE, Molina D, Calvert CW (November 2007). "Acute pericarditis". Am Fam Physician. 76 (10): 1509–14. PMID 18052017.