Schamroth's window test

Schamroth's Window Test

Schamroth's window test is a medical diagnostic test used primarily to identify clubbing of the fingers, a physical sign often associated with certain underlying medical conditions. The test is named after South African cardiologist Leo Schamroth, who introduced it.

Pronunciation

The term is pronounced as "Sham-roth's window test".

Etymology

The test is named after Leo Schamroth, a South African cardiologist who was an expert in the understanding and treatment of arrhythmia.

Procedure

The Schamroth's window test is performed by asking the patient to oppose the dorsal surfaces of the corresponding fingers of both hands. In a normal individual, a small diamond-shaped 'window' is formed between the opposed nails. The absence of this window, or 'Schamroth's window', is a positive sign for digital clubbing.

Related Terms

• Clubbing: A physical sign characterized by bulbous enlargement of the ends of one or more fingers or toes.
• Hypoxia: A condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply.
• Cyanosis: A bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

Associated Conditions

Schamroth's window test is often used in the diagnosis of conditions that cause hypoxia, such as:

• Lung cancer
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Congenital heart disease

See Also

• Nail clubbing
• Leo Schamroth
• Physical examination

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Schamroth's window test
• Wikipedia's article - Schamroth's window test

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