What is Grey Turner's sign?

What is Grey Turner's sign?

• A. Bruising of the forearms
• B. Jaundice of the sclerae
• C. Bluish discoloration around the mouth
• D. Bruising of the flanks indicating retroperitoneal hemorrhage

Answer: (D)

Grey Turner's sign is ecchymosis on the flanks, indicating retroperitoneal hemorrhage. It’s most classically seen with severe acute pancreatitis but can occur with other retroperitoneal bleeds as well. Blood from the retroperitoneum tracks into the subcutaneous tissues of the flanks, producing the characteristic bruising that may appear 24 to 48 hours after the bleed starts. Recognizing this sign prompts urgent imaging and aggressive management of the underlying cause. Other findings described—jaundice of the sclerae, bluish discoloration around the mouth, or bruising of the forearms—reflect different problems and do not indicate retroperitoneal hemorrhage.

Grey Turner's sign is ecchymosis on the flanks, indicating retroperitoneal hemorrhage. It’s most classically seen with severe acute pancreatitis but can occur with other retroperitoneal bleeds as well. Blood from the retroperitoneum tracks into the subcutaneous tissues of the flanks, producing the characteristic bruising that may appear 24 to 48 hours after the bleed starts. Recognizing this sign prompts urgent imaging and aggressive management of the underlying cause. Other findings described—jaundice of the sclerae, bluish discoloration around the mouth, or bruising of the forearms—reflect different problems and do not indicate retroperitoneal hemorrhage.