Pemberton's sign

Pemberton's Sign

Pemberton's Sign (/pɛmbərtənz saɪn/) is a medical sign used to identify superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). It was named after the American surgeon, Hugh Pemberton, who first described it in 1946.

Etymology

The term "Pemberton's Sign" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Dr. Hugh Pemberton, an American surgeon. The word "sign" in this context is used to denote a physical finding identified by a medical professional during a patient's examination.

Definition

Pemberton's Sign is a clinical sign characterized by facial congestion and cyanosis induced by raising the arms above the head. This sign is indicative of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), a condition often associated with malignancies such as lung cancer and lymphoma.

Clinical Significance

Pemberton's Sign is used in the diagnosis of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the superior vena cava, the large vein carrying blood from the head, arms, and upper body to the heart, is obstructed. The sign is positive if facial congestion or cyanosis is observed when the patient's arms are raised above the head for one minute.

Related Terms

• Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS)
• Hugh Pemberton
• Lung cancer
• Lymphoma
• Medical sign

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Pemberton's sign
• Wikipedia's article - Pemberton's sign

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