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'''Du Bois sign''' is a clinical sign that is indicative of [[pericarditis]], a condition characterized by inflammation of the [[pericardium]], the fibrous sac surrounding the [[heart]]. This sign is named after the American physician [[Eugene Du Bois]], who described it. Du Bois sign is observed as a systolic retraction in the intercostal spaces, primarily in the left lower sternal border, which is a result of the adherent pericardium pulling on the [[chest wall]] during heart contraction.
{{SI}} {{Infobox medical condition
 
| name                    = Du Bois sign
==Etiology==
| image                  = [[File:Congenital_syphilis._du_Bois_sign.jpg|250px]]
Pericarditis can be caused by a variety of factors including [[infection]]s (viral, bacterial, fungal), [[autoimmune diseases]], [[cancer]], [[kidney failure]], and [[heart surgery]]. The inflammation leads to the production of excess fluid or the development of fibrous scar tissue, which can cause the pericardium to adhere to the heart or chest wall, manifesting in signs such as Du Bois sign.
| caption                = Du Bois sign in a patient with congenital syphilis
 
| field                  = [[Dermatology]]
==Pathophysiology==
| symptoms                = [[Skin rash]], [[scarring]]
The pathophysiology behind Du Bois sign involves the inflammatory process of the pericardium, which leads to the formation of adhesions between the pericardium and the pleura or diaphragm. During systole, when the heart contracts, these adhesions pull on the chest wall, causing the characteristic retraction observed in Du Bois sign. This sign is a physical manifestation of the pathological changes occurring within the pericardium and its surrounding structures.
| complications          = [[Congenital syphilis]]
 
| onset                  = [[Infancy]]
==Clinical Presentation==
| duration                = [[Chronic]]
Patients presenting with Du Bois sign may also exhibit other symptoms of pericarditis, including [[chest pain]] that may improve when sitting up and leaning forward, [[fever]], [[shortness of breath]], and a pericardial friction rub heard upon auscultation. The presence of Du Bois sign, along with these symptoms, can aid in the diagnosis of pericarditis.
| causes                  = [[Congenital syphilis]]
 
| risks                  = [[Untreated syphilis during pregnancy]]
==Diagnosis==
| diagnosis              = [[Physical examination]], [[medical history]]
The diagnosis of pericarditis, and the observation of Du Bois sign, is primarily clinical but can be supported by various diagnostic tools. [[Echocardiography]] is the most useful imaging technique, as it can detect pericardial effusion and other abnormalities. [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG) changes and elevated inflammatory markers in the blood, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), can also support the diagnosis.
| differential            = [[Other skin conditions]]
 
| prevention              = [[Prenatal care]], [[syphilis screening]]
==Treatment==
| treatment              = [[Antibiotics]], [[penicillin]]
Treatment of pericarditis, and thereby the resolution of Du Bois sign, focuses on addressing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain. In cases where pericarditis is caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed. For more severe cases, corticosteroids or colchicine may be used to reduce inflammation. In cases where there is significant pericardial effusion or constriction, surgical intervention may be necessary.
| prognosis              = [[Varies]]
 
| frequency              = [[Rare]]
==Prognosis==
}}
The prognosis for patients with pericarditis varies depending on the underlying cause. Most cases of acute pericarditis have a good prognosis with appropriate treatment. However, recurrent or chronic pericarditis can lead to complications such as [[constrictive pericarditis]] or [[cardiac tamponade]], which require more aggressive treatment and may have a more guarded prognosis.
[[Category:Dermatology]]
 
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Signs and symptoms]]== Du Bois Sign ==
[[Category:Medical signs]]
The '''Du Bois sign''' is a clinical indicator associated with [[congenital syphilis]], a condition caused by the transmission of the [[Treponema pallidum]] bacterium from an infected mother to her child during [[pregnancy]]. This sign is named after the physician who first described it.
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Circulatory and respiratory systems]]
== Clinical Presentation ==
 
The Du Bois sign is characterized by specific changes in the [[teeth]] and [[bones]] of affected individuals. It is one of several stigmata of congenital syphilis, which can include a range of dental and skeletal abnormalities. The sign is often observed in conjunction with other features such as [[Hutchinson's teeth]], [[saddle nose]], and [[saber shins]].
{{medicine-stub}}
=== Dental Abnormalities ===
In the context of congenital syphilis, dental abnormalities are a hallmark feature. The Du Bois sign may manifest as notched or peg-shaped incisors, which are indicative of the disruption in enamel formation during tooth development. These dental changes are often accompanied by other dental anomalies such as [[mulberry molars]].
=== Skeletal Abnormalities ===
Skeletal manifestations of the Du Bois sign include changes in the long bones, such as thickening or bowing, which are a result of the inflammatory processes affecting the periosteum and bone growth. These changes can lead to characteristic deformities that are often used in the diagnosis of congenital syphilis.
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of congenital syphilis, and by extension the identification of the Du Bois sign, involves a combination of clinical examination, serological testing, and radiographic imaging. The presence of the Du Bois sign, along with other clinical features, can aid in the early detection and treatment of the disease.
== Treatment ==
The primary treatment for congenital syphilis is [[penicillin]], which is effective in eradicating the Treponema pallidum bacterium. Early intervention is crucial to prevent the progression of the disease and the development of further complications. Dental and orthopedic interventions may also be necessary to address the structural abnormalities associated with the Du Bois sign.
== See Also ==
* [[Congenital syphilis]]
* [[Hutchinson's teeth]]
* [[Treponema pallidum]]
* [[Penicillin]]
{{Congenital disorders}}
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Dental conditions]]
[[Category:Skeletal disorders]]

Latest revision as of 01:22, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Du Bois sign
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Skin rash, scarring
Complications Congenital syphilis
Onset Infancy
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Congenital syphilis
Risks Untreated syphilis during pregnancy
Diagnosis Physical examination, medical history
Differential diagnosis Other skin conditions
Prevention Prenatal care, syphilis screening
Treatment Antibiotics, penicillin
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A

== Du Bois Sign ==

The Du Bois sign is a clinical indicator associated with congenital syphilis, a condition caused by the transmission of the Treponema pallidum bacterium from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy. This sign is named after the physician who first described it.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

The Du Bois sign is characterized by specific changes in the teeth and bones of affected individuals. It is one of several stigmata of congenital syphilis, which can include a range of dental and skeletal abnormalities. The sign is often observed in conjunction with other features such as Hutchinson's teeth, saddle nose, and saber shins.

Dental Abnormalities[edit]

In the context of congenital syphilis, dental abnormalities are a hallmark feature. The Du Bois sign may manifest as notched or peg-shaped incisors, which are indicative of the disruption in enamel formation during tooth development. These dental changes are often accompanied by other dental anomalies such as mulberry molars.

Skeletal Abnormalities[edit]

Skeletal manifestations of the Du Bois sign include changes in the long bones, such as thickening or bowing, which are a result of the inflammatory processes affecting the periosteum and bone growth. These changes can lead to characteristic deformities that are often used in the diagnosis of congenital syphilis.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of congenital syphilis, and by extension the identification of the Du Bois sign, involves a combination of clinical examination, serological testing, and radiographic imaging. The presence of the Du Bois sign, along with other clinical features, can aid in the early detection and treatment of the disease.

Treatment[edit]

The primary treatment for congenital syphilis is penicillin, which is effective in eradicating the Treponema pallidum bacterium. Early intervention is crucial to prevent the progression of the disease and the development of further complications. Dental and orthopedic interventions may also be necessary to address the structural abnormalities associated with the Du Bois sign.

See Also[edit]