Desjardins' point: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 20:19, 5 March 2025

Desjardins' Point[edit]

Desjardins' point is a clinically significant anatomical landmark used in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic and biliary tract diseases. It is named after the French surgeon Auguste Desjardins, who contributed significantly to the understanding of pancreatic anatomy and its clinical implications.

Anatomical Location[edit]

Desjardins' point is located on the anterior abdominal wall. It is defined as the point where a line drawn from the right anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus intersects with a line drawn from the left anterior superior iliac spine to the right costal margin. This point roughly corresponds to the location of the ampulla of Vater, where the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct empty into the duodenum.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Desjardins' point is used as a reference in the physical examination of patients suspected of having pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders. Tenderness at this point may indicate inflammation or other pathology involving the pancreas or the biliary system. It is particularly useful in the context of acute pancreatitis, where palpation of this area can help in the clinical assessment.

In addition to its use in physical examination, Desjardins' point is also relevant in certain diagnostic imaging techniques. For example, it can serve as a guide in ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans to focus on the region of the pancreas and the surrounding structures.

Related Anatomical Structures[edit]

The pancreas is a vital organ involved in both endocrine and exocrine functions. It is located in the retroperitoneal space of the abdomen and is closely associated with several important structures, including:

The duodenum, which forms a C-shaped loop around the head of the pancreas.
The spleen, which is located near the tail of the pancreas.
The stomach, which lies anterior to the pancreas.
The superior mesenteric artery and vein, which pass anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 == Desjardins' Point ==
-[[File:Blausen_0699_PancreasAnatomy2.png|Anatomy of the pancreas, showing the location of Desjardins' point|thumb|right]]
+[[File:Blausen_0699_PancreasAnatomy2.png|Diagram of the pancreas anatomy|thumb|right]]
-'''Desjardins' point''' is a clinically significant anatomical landmark used in the diagnosis of [[pancreatitis]] and other pancreatic disorders. It is named after the French surgeon [[Auguste Desjardins]], who contributed to the understanding of pancreatic anatomy and its clinical implications.
+Desjardins' point is a clinically significant anatomical landmark used in the diagnosis and management of [[pancreatic]] and [[biliary tract]] diseases. It is named after the French surgeon [[Auguste Desjardins]], who contributed significantly to the understanding of pancreatic anatomy and its clinical implications.
 == Anatomical Location ==
-Desjardins' point is located on the anterior abdominal wall. It is found at the intersection of two imaginary lines:
+Desjardins' point is located on the anterior abdominal wall. It is defined as the point where a line drawn from the right [[anterior superior iliac spine]] to the [[umbilicus]] intersects with a line drawn from the left anterior superior iliac spine to the right costal margin. This point roughly corresponds to the location of the [[ampulla of Vater]], where the [[common bile duct]] and the [[pancreatic duct]] empty into the [[duodenum]].
-* A horizontal line drawn from the [[umbilicus]] (navel) to the right side of the body.
-* A vertical line drawn from the right [[midclavicular line]] (a line running vertically down from the midpoint of the clavicle).
-This point corresponds to the approximate location of the [[ampulla of Vater]], where the [[common bile duct]] and the [[pancreatic duct]] empty into the [[duodenum]].
 == Clinical Significance ==
-Desjardins' point is used by clinicians to help localize pain associated with pancreatic conditions. Tenderness at this point can be indicative of [[pancreatitis]], particularly when associated with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
+Desjardins' point is used as a reference in the physical examination of patients suspected of having [[pancreatitis]] or other pancreatic disorders. Tenderness at this point may indicate inflammation or other pathology involving the pancreas or the biliary system. It is particularly useful in the context of [[acute pancreatitis]], where palpation of this area can help in the clinical assessment.
-In the context of [[acute pancreatitis]], palpation of Desjardins' point may reveal tenderness due to inflammation of the pancreas. This can assist in differentiating pancreatic pain from other causes of abdominal pain, such as [[cholecystitis]] or [[appendicitis]].
-== Diagnostic Use ==
+In addition to its use in physical examination, Desjardins' point is also relevant in certain diagnostic imaging techniques. For example, it can serve as a guide in [[ultrasound]] or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans to focus on the region of the pancreas and the surrounding structures.
-While Desjardins' point is a useful clinical tool, it is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as:
+== Related Anatomical Structures ==
-* [[Ultrasonography]]
+The pancreas is a vital organ involved in both [[endocrine]] and [[exocrine]] functions. It is located in the [[retroperitoneal space]] of the abdomen and is closely associated with several important structures, including:
-* [[Computed tomography]] (CT) scans
-* [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI)
-* [[Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography]] (ERCP)
-These imaging techniques provide a more detailed view of the pancreas and surrounding structures, aiding in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic diseases.
+* The [[duodenum]], which forms a C-shaped loop around the head of the pancreas.
+* The [[spleen]], which is located near the tail of the pancreas.
+* The [[stomach]], which lies anterior to the pancreas.
+* The [[superior mesenteric artery]] and [[vein]], which pass anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas.
 == Related Pages ==
 * [[Pancreas]]
-* [[Pancreatitis]]
+* [[Biliary tract]]
 * [[Ampulla of Vater]]
-* [[Common bile duct]]
+* [[Acute pancreatitis]]
-* [[Abdominal pain]]
+* [[Auguste Desjardins]]
-[[Category:Anatomical landmarks]]
+[[Category:Anatomy]]
 [[Category:Pancreas]]
+[[Category:Medical signs]]