From the Guidelines
Grey Turner sign is a significant clinical finding that requires immediate medical attention, as it suggests severe disease with potential mortality rates, and management should focus on addressing the underlying cause while providing supportive care. The presence of Grey Turner sign, characterized by bruising or discoloration of the flanks, indicates retroperitoneal hemorrhage, most commonly associated with acute pancreatitis, though it can also occur with abdominal trauma, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, or retroperitoneal malignancy 1. When identified, this sign suggests severe disease with potential mortality rates, and management begins with prompt recognition and assessment of vital signs, followed by laboratory tests including complete blood count, amylase, lipase, and coagulation studies 1. Some key points to consider in the management of Grey Turner sign include:
- Prompt recognition and assessment of vital signs
- Laboratory tests including complete blood count, amylase, lipase, and coagulation studies
- Imaging studies such as CT scan with contrast to identify the source and extent of bleeding
- Treatment focusing on addressing the underlying cause while providing supportive care including fluid resuscitation, pain management, and hemodynamic monitoring
- In severe cases, patients may require intensive care monitoring, blood transfusions, and possibly surgical intervention to control bleeding 1. The appearance of Grey Turner sign typically occurs 24-48 hours after the initial injury as blood dissects through tissue planes, and its presence should alert clinicians to potential serious intra-abdominal pathology requiring aggressive management and close monitoring 1. Given the potential for high mortality rates, it is essential to prioritize prompt and aggressive management of Grey Turner sign to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality.
From the Research
Grey Turner Sign
- Grey Turner's sign is a rare but significant indicator of severe intra-abdominal pathology, classically associated with severe acute pancreatitis 2.
- It can also be associated with other severe intra-abdominal conditions, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention.
Significance
- The presence of Grey Turner's sign suggests a high level of severity in the underlying condition, necessitating thorough evaluation and management 2.
- The sign is characterized by bruising or discoloration of the flanks, which can be a manifestation of retroperitoneal hemorrhage or other severe intra-abdominal processes.
Management
- Management of Grey Turner's sign focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may involve surgical intervention, supportive care, or other treatments depending on the specific condition 2.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the specific management of Grey Turner's sign, but the significance of the sign in indicating severe intra-abdominal pathology underscores the need for prompt and appropriate medical intervention.
Relevant Studies
- A study published in 2021 discusses Grey Turner's sign in the context of severe acute pancreatitis, highlighting its rarity and significance 2.
- Other provided studies do not directly address Grey Turner's sign or its management, focusing instead on unrelated topics such as disc prosthesis and cytochrome methylation 3, 4.