What is Kehr's sign indicative of?

What is Kehr's sign indicative of?

• A. Left shoulder pain due to gallbladder disease
• B. Left shoulder pain associated with splenic injury
• C. Right shoulder pain from liver disease
• D. Right shoulder pain related to cardiovascular issues

Answer: (B)

Kehr's sign is specifically associated with referred pain from the spleen, indicating that left shoulder pain can occur due to splenic injury or rupture. This phenomenon occurs because the diaphragm and the spleen share nerve pathways; thus, irritation to the diaphragm due to splenic issues can lead to pain that is felt in the left shoulder. This is a classic presentation in medical examinations, particularly within the context of trauma. The other options do mention shoulder pain, but they relate to different organ systems or conditions. For instance, while gallbladder disease can indeed cause referred pain, it typically manifests as right shoulder pain rather than left. Likewise, liver disease affects the right shoulder, and cardiovascular issues, though they can radiate to the shoulder, do not specifically correlate with Kehr's sign as it relates to the spleen. Therefore, understanding Kehr's sign is essential for recognizing the implications of splenic injury and the resultant referred pain it may cause.

Kehr's sign is specifically associated with referred pain from the spleen, indicating that left shoulder pain can occur due to splenic injury or rupture. This phenomenon occurs because the diaphragm and the spleen share nerve pathways; thus, irritation to the diaphragm due to splenic issues can lead to pain that is felt in the left shoulder. This is a classic presentation in medical examinations, particularly within the context of trauma.

The other options do mention shoulder pain, but they relate to different organ systems or conditions. For instance, while gallbladder disease can indeed cause referred pain, it typically manifests as right shoulder pain rather than left. Likewise, liver disease affects the right shoulder, and cardiovascular issues, though they can radiate to the shoulder, do not specifically correlate with Kehr's sign as it relates to the spleen. Therefore, understanding Kehr's sign is essential for recognizing the implications of splenic injury and the resultant referred pain it may cause.