Murphy's sign
Pronunciation: MUR-feez
A clinical examination finding indicating gallbladder inflammation, characterized by abrupt cessation of inspiration due to pain during palpation.
Full Definition
Murphy's sign is a classic physical examination finding used to diagnose acute cholecystitis or gallbladder inflammation. The test is performed by placing the hand below the right costal margin and asking the patient to take a deep breath. A positive Murphy's sign occurs when the patient suddenly stops inspiration due to sharp pain as the inflamed gallbladder contacts the examining hand. While primarily associated with gallbladder disease, this finding is relevant in gastrointestinal oncology when evaluating patients with suspected gallbladder cancer or when gallbladder involvement complicates other hepatobiliary malignancies. The sign has high specificity but moderate sensitivity for acute cholecystitis.
Usage
Usage note: Named after American surgeon John Benjamin Murphy; capitalize the eponym and use apostrophe.
In Context
- "Physical examination revealed a positive Murphy's sign, raising concern for acute cholecystitis in this patient with known gallbladder polyps." — Emergency department assessment
- "The absence of Murphy's sign helped differentiate between gallbladder cancer and acute inflammatory disease." — Clinical examination note