Which physical sign is commonly seen in portal hypertension?

Which physical sign is commonly seen in portal hypertension?

• A. Caput medusae
• B. Murphy sign
• C. Trousseau sign
• D. Rovsing sign

Answer: (A)

Portal hypertension causes the development of collateral veins that bypass the liver, leading to distended superficial veins on the abdomen. This visible dilation around the umbilicus is called caput medusae and is a classic sign of portal hypertension. The other signs listed arise from different conditions: Murphy sign relates to gallbladder inflammation, Trousseau sign to migratory thrombophlebitis associated with malignancy, and Rovsing sign to appendicitis. Caput medusae specifically reflects portal-systemic collateral formation, making it the best answer.

Portal hypertension causes the development of collateral veins that bypass the liver, leading to distended superficial veins on the abdomen. This visible dilation around the umbilicus is called caput medusae and is a classic sign of portal hypertension. The other signs listed arise from different conditions: Murphy sign relates to gallbladder inflammation, Trousseau sign to migratory thrombophlebitis associated with malignancy, and Rovsing sign to appendicitis. Caput medusae specifically reflects portal-systemic collateral formation, making it the best answer.