Griffith's sign

Griffith's sign is a clinical sign in which there is a palpable impulse on the anterior chest wall with each heartbeat. It is found in patients with large pericardial effusions and is indicative of pericardial tamponade. The sign is named after Dr. John F. Griffith, who first described it in 1919.

Clinical Significance

Griffith's sign is a physical examination finding that is used to help diagnose pericardial effusion and pericardial tamponade. It is not a definitive diagnostic tool, but rather one of many signs that may suggest these conditions.

In pericardial effusion, fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, the fibrous covering surrounding the heart. This can lead to increased pressure on the heart, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. In severe cases, this can lead to pericardial tamponade, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Griffith's sign is elicited by palpating the patient's chest wall. If the sign is positive, a distinct impulse can be felt with each heartbeat. This is due to the heart "swinging" in the fluid-filled pericardial sac, causing a noticeable impact against the chest wall.

History

Griffith's sign is named after Dr. John F. Griffith, a British physician who first described the sign in 1919. His original description was based on his observations of patients with large pericardial effusions. Since then, the sign has been incorporated into the physical examination of patients suspected of having pericardial effusion or tamponade.

See Also

• Pericardial effusion
• Pericardial tamponade
• Physical examination

References

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