Trousseau sign

Definition

Trousseau sign is a clinical indication of latent tetany in which carpal spasm occurs after occlusion of the brachial artery with a blood pressure cuff. It is often associated with hypocalcemia and disorders affecting calcium metabolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trousseau sign is commonly used to diagnose hypocalcemia, which can be related to parathyroid dysfunction.
2. The sign involves inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure for several minutes to induce carpal spasm.
3. Positive Trousseau sign can indicate conditions such as hypoparathyroidism or Vitamin D deficiency.
4. It is named after Armand Trousseau, a French physician who described it in the context of tetany.
5. The presence of Trousseau sign may necessitate further investigation into calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.

Review Questions

• What does a positive Trousseau sign indicate?
• How is Trousseau sign elicited during a physical examination?
• Why might Trousseau sign be significant for patients with thyroid or parathyroid disorders?

Related terms

Chvostek's Sign: A clinical test where tapping on the facial nerve triggers twitching, indicating hypocalcemia.

Hypocalcemia:

A condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood, often leading to muscle spasms and cramps.

Hypoparathyroidism:

A disorder where the parathyroid glands produce insufficient parathyroid hormone, resulting in low calcium levels.