Carnett's sign

Carnett's sign is a medical diagnostic test used in the evaluation of abdominal pain. It was described by British surgeon John Brian Carnett in 1926.

Overview

Carnett's sign is a clinical sign used to differentiate between abdominal wall pain and visceral pain. It is positive when the patient's abdominal pain increases on tensing the abdominal wall muscles. This can be done by asking the patient to lift their head and shoulders off the examination couch while lying down, or to sit up halfway.

Clinical significance

Carnett's sign is useful in the diagnosis of abdominal wall pain, which is often overlooked as a source of chronic abdominal pain. A positive Carnett's sign suggests that the pain is originating from the abdominal wall, rather than the internal organs. This can help to avoid unnecessary investigations and surgeries.

See also

• Abdominal examination
• Chronic abdominal pain
• Visceral pain

References

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External links

• Carnett's sign at WikiMD

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