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Lincoln sign

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lincoln sign
Differential diagnosisMarfan syndrome

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.

History

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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

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References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Gordon, Abraham M. (March 1962). "Abraham Lincoln – a medical appraisal". Kentucky Medical Association. 60 (60): 249–253. ISSN 0023-0294. PMID 13900423.
  3. ^ Schwartz H (1964). "Abraham Lincoln and the Marfan Syndrome". JAMA. 187 (7): 473–479. doi:10.1001/jama.1964.03060200005001. PMID 14084818.
  4. ^ Schwartz H (1972). "Abraham Lincoln and aortic insufficiency". Calif Med. 116 (5): 82–84. PMC 1518411. PMID 4565398.
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