From the Research
Klein's sign in mesenteric adenitis is a clinical finding where pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen increases when the patient is asked to cough or when the examiner presses on the left lower quadrant, which helps differentiate mesenteric adenitis from appendicitis. This sign is particularly useful in pediatric patients, as seen in a study from 1, where distinguishing between mesenteric adenitis and appendicitis can be challenging. Some key points to consider when evaluating Klein's sign include:
- The mechanical displacement of inflamed mesenteric lymph nodes when pressure is applied to the contralateral side, which can cause diffuse abdominal pain that radiates or shifts when pressure is applied elsewhere in the abdomen.
- The comparison of clinical and laboratory findings between mesenteric lymphadenitis and acute appendicitis, as shown in 1, highlights the importance of considering multiple parameters when differentiating between these two conditions.
- The absence of significant difference with regard to lymph node size, as found in 1, suggests that lymph node enlargement is a non-specific finding. It is essential to use Klein's sign alongside other clinical findings and diagnostic tests for a complete evaluation, as the diagnosis of mesenteric adenitis or appendicitis relies on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's symptoms, laboratory results, and imaging findings, as discussed in 2.