In cases of splenic rupture, what symptom commonly referred to as Kehr sign is observed?

In cases of splenic rupture, what symptom commonly referred to as Kehr sign is observed?

• A. Pain in the abdomen
• B. Pain in the left shoulder
• C. Pain in the lower back
• D. Pain in the right shoulder

Answer: (B)

Kehr sign is a specific manifestation associated with splenic rupture, characterized by pain in the left shoulder. This phenomenon occurs due to referred pain from irritation of the diaphragm, which shares innervation from the phrenic nerve. When the spleen ruptures, bleeding can irritate the diaphragm, and the pain is commonly felt in the shoulder area, specifically the left side, due to the anatomical relationship and nerve pathways. Understanding this symptom is crucial for recognizing potential splenic injuries, especially in trauma cases. It highlights the importance of assessing referred pain in the shoulder during a physical exam, which can guide clinicians toward further diagnostic evaluation or intervention in cases of suspected splenic rupture. The other choices, while they represent areas where pain can occur for various abdominal or visceral issues, do not specifically align with the classic presentation of Kehr sign associated with splenic rupture.

Kehr sign is a specific manifestation associated with splenic rupture, characterized by pain in the left shoulder. This phenomenon occurs due to referred pain from irritation of the diaphragm, which shares innervation from the phrenic nerve. When the spleen ruptures, bleeding can irritate the diaphragm, and the pain is commonly felt in the shoulder area, specifically the left side, due to the anatomical relationship and nerve pathways.

Understanding this symptom is crucial for recognizing potential splenic injuries, especially in trauma cases. It highlights the importance of assessing referred pain in the shoulder during a physical exam, which can guide clinicians toward further diagnostic evaluation or intervention in cases of suspected splenic rupture.

The other choices, while they represent areas where pain can occur for various abdominal or visceral issues, do not specifically align with the classic presentation of Kehr sign associated with splenic rupture.