Cullen's sign associated with metastatic esophageal carcinoma

✍ Scribed by Mark A. Marinella; Michael Baumann

• Book ID: 102338631
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 50 KB
• Volume: 3
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1553-5592
• DOI: 10.1002/jhm.300

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Cullen's sign refers to the presence of periumbilical ecchymosis and is most often recognized as a manifestation of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. However, lesser‐appreciated etiologies include ruptured ectopic pregnancy, leaking aortic aneurysm, and intraabdominal malignancy. We report the case of a patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus who developed Cullen's sign shortly before death. Based on this case and previously reported cases, malignancy‐associated Cullen's sign portends a dismal prognosis, and may be considered a pre‐terminal finding. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:277–278. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.