Skip to main content
Professional Technical IVT

Trousseau sign

Pronunciation: troo-SO sign

Clinical sign of hypocalcemia demonstrated by inflating a blood pressure cuff to induce carpal spasm.

Full Definition

A clinical sign of hypocalcemia elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure for 3-5 minutes, causing carpal spasm with flexion of the wrist and fingers. Named after French physician Armand Trousseau, this sign is more specific than Chvostek sign for detecting hypocalcemia. Medical editors should understand its role in postoperative assessment following endocrine surgery and ensure proper spelling of this eponymous sign.

Usage

Usage note: Proper noun derived from Armand Trousseau; more specific than Chvostek sign for hypocalcemia.

In Context

  • "A positive Trousseau sign confirmed the clinical suspicion of hypocalcemia." — Physical examination note
  • "Both Chvostek and Trousseau signs were negative at discharge." — Follow-up assessment

Also known as

Trousseau's sign

Don't confuse with

Chvostek sign carpopedal spasm

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON