Grey Turner Sign is bruising or discoloration over the flanks (the sides of the abdomen between the ribs and hips). It is a physical examination finding that can suggest bleeding in the retroperitoneum (the space behind the abdominal lining). It is most often discussed in the context of severe acute pancreatitis and abdominal hemorrhage. Clinicians use it as a bedside clue that may prompt urgent diagnostic evaluation.
Cullen Sign is bruising (ecchymosis) around the umbilicus (belly button). It is a physical exam finding that can suggest bleeding inside the abdomen or retroperitoneum. Clinicians most often discuss it in severe acute pancreatitis and other hemorrhagic abdominal emergencies. It is used at the bedside during an abdominal exam, not as a standalone test.
Rovsing Sign is a physical exam finding used during evaluation of abdominal pain. It describes right lower quadrant pain that occurs when the left lower quadrant is pressed. Clinicians most often discuss it when appendicitis is on the differential diagnosis. It is one component of the broader bedside abdominal examination.
McBurney Point is a surface anatomy landmark on the right lower abdomen. It is classically used during the abdominal exam to help localize suspected appendicitis. Clinicians use it as a reference point for tenderness, guarding, and peritoneal irritation. It is also historically linked to the “McBurney incision” used for appendectomy.
Murphy Sign is a physical exam finding used during an abdominal examination. It describes a sudden pause in breathing when pressure is applied over the gallbladder area during inspiration. It is most commonly discussed when evaluating right upper quadrant abdominal pain. It is taught as a bedside clue for gallbladder inflammation, especially acute cholecystitis.
Rebound Tenderness is a physical exam finding assessed during an abdominal examination. It refers to pain that is felt more strongly when pressure on the abdomen is suddenly released. It is commonly used as a bedside clue for irritation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). Clinicians most often discuss it in the evaluation of acute abdominal pain in emergency and inpatient settings.
Abdominal Guarding is a physical exam finding where the abdominal wall muscles tighten during palpation. It is commonly assessed during evaluation of abdominal pain in emergency, inpatient, and clinic settings. Clinicians use it as a clue to irritation of deeper tissues, especially the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). It helps frame urgency and next diagnostic steps in suspected “acute abdomen.”
Upper GI Bleed means bleeding that originates from the upper gastrointestinal tract. It typically refers to bleeding from the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Clinicians use the term to describe a common emergency presentation and to guide initial evaluation and management. It is discussed in gastroenterology, hepatology, emergency medicine, critical care, and GI surgery.
Lower GI Bleed means bleeding that originates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract at or below the ligament of Treitz, most often from the colon, rectum, or anal canal. It is commonly used as a clinical label when a patient presents with blood per rectum or blood mixed with stool. It is a symptom-based diagnosis that prompts evaluation of severity, source, and cause. It is used in emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and endoscopy settings.
GI Bleeding means blood loss from anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It can be visible (vomiting blood or passing black/red stool) or hidden and found on testing. Clinicians use the term in emergency, inpatient, and outpatient settings to describe a symptom and a clinical syndrome. It signals a need to localize the source, assess severity, and identify an underlying cause.