Rovsing's sign
Rovsing's Sign[edit | edit source]
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Rovsing's Sign is a clinical sign used to assist in the diagnosis of Appendicitis, named after Danish surgeon Niels Thorkild Rovsing (1862–1927). It is a significant indication in the physical examination for suspected appendicitis cases.
Historical Background[edit | edit source]
- The sign was first described by Swedish surgeon Emil Samuel Perman in 1904 in the journal Hygiea.
- It was later popularized and named after Niels Thorkild Rovsing, who extensively researched appendicitis.
Clinical Description[edit | edit source]
Rovsing's sign is observed during a physical examination where:
- Palpation in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen results in pain in the right lower quadrant.
- This response is considered a positive Rovsing's sign.
- The phenomenon is due to the pressure transmitting through the colon, causing distension and pain in the area of the inflamed appendix.
Relevance in Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
- A positive Rovsing's sign is a suggestive indicator of acute appendicitis but is not definitive on its own.
- It is typically used in conjunction with other signs and symptoms, as well as diagnostic tests like ultrasound or CT scans.
Mechanism and Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
- The pain response is attributed to the irritation or inflammation of the peritoneal lining near the appendix.
- When pressure is applied to the left side, it exacerbates the pain on the right side where the inflamed appendix is located.
Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
While Rovsing's sign is indicative of appendicitis, similar symptoms may be present in other conditions, requiring differential diagnosis:
- Conditions like Meckel's Diverticulum, right-sided diverticulitis, or gynecological pathologies might present with similar symptoms.
Importance in Medical Practice[edit | edit source]
- Rovsing's sign remains an important physical examination tool in modern medicine, particularly in settings where advanced diagnostic tools are not readily available.
External Links[edit | edit source]
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Appendicitis
- UpToDate: Acute Appendicitis in Adults: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
References[edit | edit source]
- Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology: Rovsing's Sign and the Sonographic Diagnosis of Appendicitis
- ScienceDirect: Revisiting Rovsing's Sign: Clinical Significance and Biomechanical Perspective
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