Question

Match the clinical signs: 1. Kehr's sign; 2. Boas' sign; 3. Grey-Turner's sign.

• A. 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
• B. 1-B, 2-C, 3-A
• C. 1-C, 2-A, 3-B
• D. 1-A, 2-C, 3-B

Hint:

Kehr's = Shoulder (Spleen). Boas' = Back/Ribs (Gallbladder). Grey-Turner's = Flanks/Turn (Pancreatitis). Cullen's sign is similar but occurs around the umbilicus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:

• Clinical signs are physical findings that aid in the diagnosis of specific internal abdominal or thoracic pathologies.

• These signs are often named after the physicians who first described them (eponymous signs).
Step 1: Analyzing Kehr's sign (1-A)
Kehr's sign is the occurrence of acute pain at the tip of the left shoulder due to the presence of blood or other irritants in the peritoneal cavity.
It is classically associated with a ruptured spleen, which causes diaphragmatic irritation; the pain is referred to the shoulder via the phrenic nerve.

Step 2: Analyzing Boas' sign (2-B)
Boas' sign refers to an area of hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to touch) located between the \(9^{th}\) and \(11^{th}\) ribs on the right side posteriorly.
It is a classic clinical sign indicating acute cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).

Step 3: Analyzing Grey-Turner's sign (3-C)
Grey-Turner's sign is characterized by bruising or ecchymosis (bluish discoloration) of the flanks (the part of the body between the last rib and the hip).
It indicates retroperitoneal hemorrhage and is commonly seen in severe cases of acute pancreatitis.