Pemberton's sign

Pemberton's sign
Differential diagnosissuperior vena cava syndrome

The Pemberton's sign is a physical examination tool used to demonstrate the presence of latent pressure in the thoracic inlet.[1] The sign is named after Hugh Pemberton, who characterized it in 1946.[2]

The Pemberton maneuver is achieved by having the patient elevate both arms (usually 180 degrees anterior flexion at the shoulder) until the forearms touch the sides of the face. A positive Pemberton's sign is marked by the presence of facial congestion and cyanosis, as well as respiratory distress after approximately one minute.[3]

  1. ^ Wallace, C; Siminoski K (1996). "The Pemberton sign". Ann Intern Med. 125 (7): 568–569. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-125-7-199610010-00006. PMID 8815756. S2CID 32532890.
  2. ^ Pemberton, HS (1946). "Sign of submerged goitre". Lancet. 248 (6423): 509. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(46)91790-4.
  3. ^ Pemberton, HS (1946). "Sign of submerged goitre". Lancet. 248 (6423): 509. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(46)91790-4.