Boas' point

Boas' Point is a term used in the field of medicine, specifically in gastroenterology. Named after the German internist Ismar Boas, it refers to a specific location on the human body that is used as a reference point in diagnosing certain gastrointestinal disorders.

Definition

Boas' Point is located on the right side of the back of a patient, specifically at the level of the 11th and 12th ribs. It is named after Ismar Boas, a German internist who made significant contributions to the field of gastroenterology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Clinical Significance

The clinical significance of Boas' Point lies in its use as a reference point for the diagnosis of gallbladder disease. Tenderness or pain at Boas' Point can be indicative of cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder. This is known as Boas' sign.

In addition to cholecystitis, other gallbladder diseases such as gallstones or biliary colic can also cause tenderness at Boas' Point. Therefore, a physical examination that includes palpation of Boas' Point is often part of the diagnostic process for patients presenting with upper abdominal pain.

See Also

• Murphy's sign
• Courvoisier's law
• Charcot's triad
• Reynolds' pentad