Louvel's sign
Louvel's Sign
Louvel's sign (pronunciation: loo-velz sign) is a clinical sign in medicine, specifically in the field of cardiology. It is named after the French physician who first described it, Dr. Pierre Louvel.
Definition
Louvel's sign is a clinical sign characterized by the presence of a heart murmur that changes in intensity with respiration. It is typically observed in patients with constrictive pericarditis, a condition where the pericardium (the sac-like structure that surrounds the heart) becomes thickened and rigid.
Etymology
The term "Louvel's sign" is derived from the name of the French physician, Dr. Pierre Louvel, who first described this clinical sign. The term "sign" in this context is used to denote a physical finding that is observed during a patient's clinical examination.
Clinical Significance
Louvel's sign is a valuable diagnostic tool in the field of cardiology. It helps in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis, a condition that can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. The presence of Louvel's sign can guide physicians towards the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Related Terms
- Heart Murmur: An abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat. Murmurs range from very faint to very loud and sometimes sound like a whooshing or swishing noise.
- Constrictive Pericarditis: A medical condition where the pericardium becomes thickened and rigid, causing the heart to function poorly.
- Pericardium: The double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Louvel's sign
- Wikipedia's article - Louvel's sign
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