Lincoln sign
Lincoln sign is the medical sign consisting of excessive popliteal artery pulsation due to hemodynamic effects of aortic regurgitation.[1] This sign is associated with Marfan syndrome, in which aortic root dilation and aortic incompetence are common features.
| Lincoln sign | |
|---|---|
| Differential diagnosis | Marfan syndrome |
History
The name Lincoln sign is based on a hypothetical diagnosis for a patient, namely the USA's 16th president Abraham Lincoln. In 1962, Dr Abraham M. Gordon suggested that Lincoln had Marfan's syndrome.[2] In 1964, Dr Harold Schwartz adduced further evidence that Lincoln might have had Marfan syndrome.[3] Later, Schwartz suggested that, based upon evidence shown in a famous photograph, Lincoln had the aortic insufficiency associated with what is now called Lincoln sign.[4]
However, Gordon's hypothesis is highly controversial.
See also
References
- Houghton AR; Gray D (2010). "Table 7.11 Eponymous signs in aortic regurgitation". Chamberlain's Symptoms and Signs in Clinical Medicine (13th ed.). CRC Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780340974254.
- Gordon, Abraham M. (March 1962). "Abraham Lincoln – a medical appraisal". Kentucky Medical Association. 60 (60): 249–253. ISSN 0023-0294. PMID 13900423.
- Schwartz H (1964). "Abrahma Lincoln and the Marfan Syndrome". JAMA. 187 (7): 473–479. doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03060200005001. PMID 14084818.
- Schwartz H (1972). "Abraham Lincoln and aortic insufficiency". Calif Med. 116 (5): 82–84. PMC 1518411. PMID 4565398.
