Traube's sign

Traube's sign is a medical sign that is named after the German physician Ludwig Traube, who first described it in the 19th century. It is a clinical finding that is used in the diagnosis of certain medical conditions, particularly those related to the heart and lungs.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Traube's sign is defined as a percussive dullness over the lung's base, typically on the left side, that is associated with a pleural effusion or pneumothorax. It is also described as a semilunar space of tympany during percussion of the chest wall, which is due to the presence of gas in the stomach under the lung.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Traube's sign is used in the clinical setting to help diagnose certain medical conditions. It is particularly useful in the diagnosis of pleural effusion, a condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, and pneumothorax, a condition in which there is air or gas in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

While Traube's sign can be a useful diagnostic tool, it is not always present in patients with pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Therefore, it should not be used as the sole basis for a diagnosis. Other diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.