Puddle sign
Puddle Sign
The Puddle Sign is a clinical sign used in the diagnosis of ascites, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Pronunciation
Puddle Sign: /ˈpʌd.əl saɪn/
Etymology
The term "Puddle Sign" is derived from the English words "puddle" and "sign". The term "puddle" refers to a small pool of liquid, in this case, the fluid accumulated in the peritoneal cavity. The term "sign" is used in medicine to denote an objective evidence of a disease perceived by the examining physician.
Procedure
The Puddle Sign is performed by having the patient lie prone for several minutes. The examiner then percusses the most dependent part of the abdomen. A positive Puddle Sign is indicated by a change in percussion note from dull to resonant, suggesting the presence of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Related Terms
- Ascites: The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, often due to liver disease or heart failure.
- Peritoneal cavity: The space within the abdomen that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver. It is bound by thin, watertight tissue called peritoneum.
- Percussion (medicine): A method of tapping on a surface to determine the underlying structure, and is used in clinical examinations to assess the condition of the thorax or abdomen.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Puddle sign
- Wikipedia's article - Puddle sign
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