Abadie's sign

Abadie's Sign is a clinical sign that is often associated with neurological disorders. It is named after the French neurologist, Jean Marie Charles Abadie, who first described it in the late 19th century.

Definition

Abadie's Sign is defined as the absence of pain sensation in the Achilles tendon region upon firm compression. This is often observed in patients with tabes dorsalis, a form of neurosyphilis that affects the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves.

Clinical Significance

The presence of Abadie's Sign can be an important diagnostic clue in patients presenting with unexplained neurological symptoms. It is particularly significant in the context of syphilis, as it can indicate the progression of the disease to its tertiary stage. However, it is not specific to syphilis and can also be seen in other conditions that cause damage to the sensory nerves, such as diabetes mellitus and leprosy.

Pathophysiology

The exact mechanism behind Abadie's Sign is not fully understood. It is thought to be due to damage to the sensory nerves that supply the Achilles tendon, resulting in a loss of pain sensation. This could be caused by the direct invasion of the nerves by the syphilis bacterium, Treponema pallidum, or by an immune-mediated response.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Abadie's Sign is made clinically, based on the patient's history and physical examination. The doctor will apply firm pressure to the Achilles tendon and ask the patient if they feel any pain. If the patient does not feel pain, this is considered a positive Abadie's Sign.

Treatment

The treatment for Abadie's Sign involves addressing the underlying cause. In the case of syphilis, this would involve antibiotic therapy to eradicate the Treponema pallidum bacterium. For other conditions, the treatment may involve managing the symptoms and preventing further nerve damage.

See Also

• Argyll Robertson pupil
• Romberg's test
• Tabes dorsalis
• Neurosyphilis