Boston's sign: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Boston's sign | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| specialty = [[Endocrinology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Twitching]] of the [[eyelid]] when the [[gaze]] is directed upwards | |||
| causes = [[Hyperthyroidism]], particularly [[Graves' disease]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination | |||
| differential = Other signs of [[thyroid eye disease]] | |||
| treatment = Management of underlying [[thyroid disorder]] | |||
| prognosis = Depends on the control of the underlying condition | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Boston's sign''' is a [[medical sign]] used in the diagnosis of [[pericarditis]], a condition characterized by inflammation of the [[pericardium]], the sac-like structure around the heart. It is named after the city of [[Boston]], where it was first described. | '''Boston's sign''' is a [[medical sign]] used in the diagnosis of [[pericarditis]], a condition characterized by inflammation of the [[pericardium]], the sac-like structure around the heart. It is named after the city of [[Boston]], where it was first described. | ||
==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
Boston's sign is defined as an increase in the intensity of the [[heart sounds]] when the patient leans forward. This is due to the closer proximity of the heart to the chest wall, which allows for better transmission of sound. | Boston's sign is defined as an increase in the intensity of the [[heart sounds]] when the patient leans forward. This is due to the closer proximity of the heart to the chest wall, which allows for better transmission of sound. | ||
==Clinical significance== | ==Clinical significance== | ||
Boston's sign is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected pericarditis. It is one of several physical examination findings that can suggest the presence of this condition, along with other signs such as [[Ewart's sign]], [[Kussmaul's sign]], and [[Pulsus paradoxus]]. | Boston's sign is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected pericarditis. It is one of several physical examination findings that can suggest the presence of this condition, along with other signs such as [[Ewart's sign]], [[Kussmaul's sign]], and [[Pulsus paradoxus]]. | ||
==Limitations== | ==Limitations== | ||
While Boston's sign can be helpful in the diagnosis of pericarditis, it is not always present in patients with this condition. Furthermore, it can sometimes be seen in other conditions that cause the heart to be closer to the chest wall, such as [[cardiac tamponade]] or [[pleural effusion]]. | While Boston's sign can be helpful in the diagnosis of pericarditis, it is not always present in patients with this condition. Furthermore, it can sometimes be seen in other conditions that cause the heart to be closer to the chest wall, such as [[cardiac tamponade]] or [[pleural effusion]]. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Ewart's sign]] | * [[Ewart's sign]] | ||
| Line 17: | Line 26: | ||
* [[Cardiac tamponade]] | * [[Cardiac tamponade]] | ||
* [[Pleural effusion]] | * [[Pleural effusion]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
[[Category:Medical signs]] | [[Category:Medical signs]] | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | [[Category:Cardiology]] | ||
[[Category:Pericarditis]] | [[Category:Pericarditis]] | ||
{{No image}} | |||
Latest revision as of 22:15, 3 April 2025
| Boston's sign | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Endocrinology |
| Symptoms | Twitching of the eyelid when the gaze is directed upwards |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | N/A |
| Duration | N/A |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves' disease |
| Risks | N/A |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Other signs of thyroid eye disease |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Management of underlying thyroid disorder |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Depends on the control of the underlying condition |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Boston's sign is a medical sign used in the diagnosis of pericarditis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like structure around the heart. It is named after the city of Boston, where it was first described.
Definition[edit]
Boston's sign is defined as an increase in the intensity of the heart sounds when the patient leans forward. This is due to the closer proximity of the heart to the chest wall, which allows for better transmission of sound.
Clinical significance[edit]
Boston's sign is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected pericarditis. It is one of several physical examination findings that can suggest the presence of this condition, along with other signs such as Ewart's sign, Kussmaul's sign, and Pulsus paradoxus.
Limitations[edit]
While Boston's sign can be helpful in the diagnosis of pericarditis, it is not always present in patients with this condition. Furthermore, it can sometimes be seen in other conditions that cause the heart to be closer to the chest wall, such as cardiac tamponade or pleural effusion.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
