Traube's space: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:11, 9 February 2025

A space in the left hypochondrium of the human body

Traube's space is a semilunar region of the left hypochondrium of the human body, defined by the sixth rib superiorly, the left anterior axillary line laterally, and the costal margin inferiorly. It is an important area for clinical examination, particularly in the assessment of splenomegaly.

Anatomy

Traube's space is named after the German physician Ludwig Traube, who described it in the 19th century. The space is located on the left side of the body, overlying the stomach and the fundus of the spleen. It is bounded by the sixth rib superiorly, the left anterior axillary line laterally, and the costal margin inferiorly. The area is typically tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the stomach.

Clinical significance

Percussion of Traube's space is a common clinical technique used to assess the size of the spleen. In a healthy individual, the space is tympanic due to the underlying stomach. However, in cases of splenomegaly, the spleen enlarges and occupies this space, resulting in dullness on percussion. This change in percussion note can help clinicians diagnose conditions such as infectious mononucleosis, cirrhosis, and hematological disorders.

Examination technique

To examine Traube's space, the patient is usually positioned supine. The examiner percusses from the midline of the abdomen laterally towards the left axillary line. A change from tympanic to dull percussion note suggests splenic enlargement. It is important to note that other factors, such as a full stomach or left-sided pleural effusion, can also affect the percussion note.

Related pages

Gallery

Diagram showing the location of Traube's space.
Illustration of the spleen, which can enlarge into Traube's space.

References

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-'''Minamata disease''' is a neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning. The disease was first discovered in Minamata city in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan, in 1956. It was caused by the release of methylmercury in the industrial wastewater from the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory, which continued from 1932 to 1968. This highly toxic chemical bioaccumulated in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and the Shiranui Sea, which, when eaten by the local populace, resulted in mercury poisoning.
+{{Short description|A space in the left hypochondrium of the human body}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==History==
+'''Traube's space''' is a semilunar region of the left hypochondrium of the human body, defined by the sixth rib superiorly, the left anterior axillary line laterally, and the costal margin inferiorly. It is an important area for clinical examination, particularly in the assessment of [[splenomegaly]].
-The timeline of Minamata disease can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory in Minamata city. The factory began its operation in 1908, producing acetaldehyde using a mercury catalyst. The wastewater from the factory, which contained methylmercury, was discharged into Minamata Bay.
-===1950s===
+==Anatomy==
-In the 1950s, the first cases of Minamata disease were officially discovered. In 1956, a local hospital reported an "epidemic of an unknown disease of the central nervous system", marking the official discovery of the disease. The victims were suffering from a range of symptoms, including ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field of vision and damage to hearing and speech. In extreme cases, insanity, paralysis, coma and death followed within weeks of the onset of symptoms.
+Traube's space is named after the German physician [[Ludwig Traube]], who described it in the 19th century. The space is located on the left side of the body, overlying the stomach and the fundus of the [[spleen]]. It is bounded by the sixth rib superiorly, the left anterior axillary line laterally, and the costal margin inferiorly. The area is typically tympanic on percussion due to the presence of the stomach.
-===1960s===
+==Clinical significance==
-In the 1960s, the cause of the disease was traced back to the Chisso Corporation's chemical factory. In 1968, the factory stopped its wastewater discharge into Minamata Bay, marking the end of the severe mercury poisoning.
+Percussion of Traube's space is a common clinical technique used to assess the size of the spleen. In a healthy individual, the space is tympanic due to the underlying stomach. However, in cases of [[splenomegaly]], the spleen enlarges and occupies this space, resulting in dullness on percussion. This change in percussion note can help clinicians diagnose conditions such as [[infectious mononucleosis]], [[cirrhosis]], and [[hematological disorders]].
-==Symptoms==
+==Examination technique==
-The symptoms of Minamata disease include ataxia, numbness in the hands and feet, general muscle weakness, narrowing of the field of vision and damage to hearing and speech. In extreme cases, insanity, paralysis, coma and death can occur.
+To examine Traube's space, the patient is usually positioned supine. The examiner percusses from the midline of the abdomen laterally towards the left axillary line. A change from tympanic to dull percussion note suggests splenic enlargement. It is important to note that other factors, such as a full stomach or left-sided pleural effusion, can also affect the percussion note.
-==Treatment==
+==Related pages==
-There is no specific treatment for Minamata disease. The disease can be prevented by avoiding exposure to mercury. Once a person is diagnosed with the disease, the progression can be slowed down with supportive measures.
+* [[Spleen]]
+* [[Splenomegaly]]
+* [[Percussion (medicine)]]
-==See also==
+==Gallery==
-* [[Mercury poisoning]]
+<gallery>
-* [[Methylmercury]]
+File:Gray1220.png|Diagram showing the location of Traube's space.
-* [[Chisso Corporation]]
+File:Illu_spleen.jpg|Illustration of the spleen, which can enlarge into Traube's space.
-* [[Industrial wastewater]]
+</gallery>
 ==References==
-<references />
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
+[[Category:Human anatomy]]
-[[Category:Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source]]
+[[Category:Medical signs]]
-[[Category:Industrial disasters]]
-[[Category:Health in Japan]]
-{{stub}}