Larrey's sign

Larrey's sign is a medical sign used in the diagnosis of liver disease. It is named after the French surgeon Dominique Jean Larrey, who first described it. The sign is characterized by pain in the right hypochondrium during deep inspiration, with the patient in a supine position.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Larrey's sign is defined as pain in the right hypochondrium (the upper part of the abdomen on the right side of the body, beneath the lower ribs) during deep inspiration, with the patient in a supine position. This sign is often associated with liver disease, particularly hepatitis and liver abscess.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The presence of Larrey's sign can be an important clue in the diagnosis of liver disease. It is particularly useful in the diagnosis of acute hepatitis, where it may be one of the earliest signs. In addition, it can also be helpful in the diagnosis of liver abscess, where it may be present in conjunction with other signs and symptoms such as fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain.

History[edit | edit source]

Larrey's sign is named after Dominique Jean Larrey, a French surgeon who served in Napoleon's army. Larrey first described the sign in his writings, noting its presence in soldiers with liver disease.

See also[edit | edit source]

Larrey's sign Resources
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