A simple test for intraperitoneal inflammation

doi:10.1016/0002-9610(73)90171-2

The American Journal of Surgery

Volume 125, Issue 6, June 1973, Pages 721-722

https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9610(73)90171-2 Get rights and content

Abstract

A new and simple bedside test for intraperitoneal inflammation is described which is based on the same mechanism as the well known rebound tenderness phenomenon. Its results correlate very well with those of the rebound test; moreover, it appears to localize the disease process better. It is believed that the test described herein is more objective and less subject to misinterpretation than is the usual rebound test. It is quick, applicable to almost every patient with abdominal pain, and costs nothing to perform.

References (0)

Cited by (8)

The history of observed signs of acute appendicitis and peritoneal inflammation
2022, American Journal of Emergency Medicine
Acute appendicitis in children: Emergency department diagnosis and management
2000, Annals of Emergency Medicine
Citation Excerpt :
Pain is worse with movement in 41% to 75%, described as steady or constant in 52% to 57%, and reported as colicky in 11% to 35%.42,69 Other potentially useful symptoms detailed in adult studies are worsened right lower quadrant pain with coughing (cough sign) in 95%,70 driving over bump (cat’s eye sign) in 80%,71 or standing on toes and dropping heels to ground (heel drop sign) in 93%.72 The accuracy of these signs in children has not been studied.
Early diagnosis of appendicitis in infants and children can prevent perforation, abscess formation, and postoperative complications, and can decrease cost by shortening hospitalizations. This article reviews the epidemiology, physiology, and age-specific clinical presentation of childhood appendicitis. The accuracy of diagnostic adjuncts is reviewed, as are strategies for avoiding misdiagnosis and improving emergency department evaluation and management. [Rothrock SG, Pagane J. Acute appendicitis in children: emergency department diagnosis and management. Ann Emerg Med. July 2000;36:39-51.]
Abdominal physical signs of inspection and medical eponyms
2019, Clinical Medicine and Research
Clinical importance of the heel drop test and a new clinical score for adult appendicitis
2016, PLoS ONE
How to improve the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis in resource limited settings
2016, World Journal of Emergency Surgery
Acute appendicitis
2002, Medical Crossfire

View all citing articles on Scopus

¹: From the Department of Surgery, Carlsbad Regional Medical Center, Carlsbad, New Mexico.

View full text

Scientific paperA simple test for intraperitoneal inflammation

Abstract

Scientific paper
A simple test for intraperitoneal inflammation