Frank

Frank's sign is a diagonal crease in the ear lobe which is named after Sanders T. Frank. It has been hypothesised that this is a predictor of coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

Overview

Frank's sign is a diagonal ear lobe crease (DELC) extending diagonally from the tragus across the lobule to the rear edge of the auricle. The sign is named after Sanders T. Frank, an American physician who first described the sign. It is hypothesised to be a predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other cardiovascular conditions.

Clinical significance

Several studies have examined the correlation between Frank's sign and coronary artery disease. Some studies have found a strong correlation, while others have found none. The sign is more common in older individuals, as the ear lobe tends to wrinkle with age. However, it is still considered a potential indicator of cardiovascular disease, particularly in patients under the age of 60.

Pathophysiology

The exact pathophysiology of Frank's sign is unknown. It has been suggested that the crease is caused by the collapse of blood vessels in the ear lobe. This could be due to poor blood supply, which is also a characteristic of coronary artery disease. However, more research is needed to confirm this theory.

Diagnosis

Frank's sign is diagnosed by physical examination. The doctor will look for a crease that extends diagonally from the tragus across the lobule to the rear edge of the auricle. If the crease is present, further tests may be needed to check for coronary artery disease.

See also

• Coronary artery disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Physical examination

References

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