Cullen's sign
Cullen's sign
Cullen's sign (/ˈkʌlənz saɪn/) is a medical term that refers to a physical examination finding of periumbilical bruising. The sign is named after the American surgeon, Thomas Stephen Cullen, who first described it in 1918.
Etymology
The term "Cullen's sign" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Thomas Stephen Cullen. Cullen was a gynecologist at Johns Hopkins Hospital and made significant contributions to the field of gynecology. The "sign" in the term refers to a medical sign, which is an objective indication of some medical fact or characteristic that may be detected by a physician during a physical examination.
Definition
Cullen's sign is defined as superficial edema and bruising in the subcutaneous fatty tissue around the umbilicus. It may appear as a blue or purple discoloration around the navel. This sign is often associated with severe acute pancreatitis, but it can also be seen in patients with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy or bleeding from the umbilical vessels.
Related Terms
- Pancreatitis: An inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
- Periumbilical: Referring to the area around the navel or umbilicus.
- Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of a blood vessel, often causing a bruise.
- Grey Turner's sign: Another medical sign of internal bleeding, characterized by bruising of the flanks.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cullen's sign
- Wikipedia's article - Cullen's sign
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