Markle's sign

Markle's sign is a clinical sign used in the diagnosis of abdominal pain, specifically peritonitis. It is named after Dr. John Markle, a Canadian surgeon who first described the sign in 1905.

Description

Markle's sign is elicited by having the patient stand on their toes and then drop onto their heels, or by having the patient jump in place. A positive sign is indicated by the presence of abdominal pain, which is caused by the jarring of the inflamed peritoneum against the abdominal wall or other organs.

Clinical significance

Markle's sign is a useful clinical tool in the diagnosis of peritonitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. Peritonitis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including appendicitis, diverticulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. A positive Markle's sign can indicate the presence of peritonitis, but it is not definitive. Other diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies or laboratory tests, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Limitations

While Markle's sign can be a useful tool in the diagnosis of peritonitis, it is not without limitations. The sign is not specific for peritonitis and can be positive in other conditions that cause abdominal pain. Additionally, the sign may not be positive in all cases of peritonitis. The sensitivity and specificity of Markle's sign for the diagnosis of peritonitis are not well established in the medical literature.

See also

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

References

Markle's sign Resources
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