Aaron's sign

Aaron's Sign

Illustration showing McBurney's point, a related anatomical landmark.

Aaron's sign is a clinical sign that is used in the diagnosis of appendicitis. It is named after the American surgeon Charles Dettie Aaron, who described it. The sign is characterized by the presence of referred pain or discomfort in the epigastric region when pressure is applied to McBurney's point, which is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.

Clinical Significance

Aaron's sign is considered a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients suspected of having appendicitis. The presence of this sign can help differentiate appendicitis from other causes of abdominal pain. It is often used in conjunction with other clinical signs and symptoms, such as Rovsing's sign, psoas sign, and obturator sign, to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Mechanism

The mechanism behind Aaron's sign involves the irritation of the peritoneum and the subsequent referred pain to the epigastric region. When pressure is applied to McBurney's point, it can cause discomfort in the epigastric area due to the shared nerve pathways and the inflammatory process associated with appendicitis.

Diagnosis of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the vermiform appendix and is a common cause of acute abdominal pain. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by laboratory tests and imaging studies. Aaron's sign, along with other physical examination findings, can aid in the early detection and management of appendicitis.

Related Pages

• Appendicitis
• McBurney's point
• Rovsing's sign
• Psoas sign
• Obturator sign