Kehr's sign

Kehr's sign is a medical symptom which refers to the occurrence of acute pain in the shoulder due to the presence of blood or other irritants in the peritoneal cavity when a person is lying down, and the legs are elevated. This symptom is often associated with a ruptured spleen, ectopic pregnancy, or referred pain from diaphragmatic irritation.

Causes

The most common cause of Kehr's sign is a ruptured spleen. The spleen is an organ located in the upper far left part of the abdomen, to the left of the stomach. The spleen plays multiple supporting roles in the body, including filtering out old red blood cells and producing white blood cells to help fight infections. A ruptured spleen can cause severe internal bleeding and is a medical emergency.

Another cause of Kehr's sign is an ectopic pregnancy. This is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can cause serious complications, including internal bleeding.

Kehr's sign can also be caused by referred pain from diaphragmatic irritation. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. Irritation of the diaphragm can cause referred pain to the shoulder, which is known as Kehr's sign.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Kehr's sign is usually made based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. A physical examination may also be performed to check for signs of internal bleeding or other complications. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for Kehr's sign depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a ruptured spleen or ectopic pregnancy, emergency surgery may be required to stop the internal bleeding. If the cause is diaphragmatic irritation, treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation and pain.

See also

• Ruptured spleen
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Diaphragmatic irritation

References

Kehr's sign Resources
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