Broadbent sign

Broadbent sign

Broadbent sign was described by Sir John Broadbent in Adherent Pericardium, London, 1895 [1]. There is marked systolic retraction of left ribs 11 and 12 (floating ribs) on the posterior and lateral aspect of the chest. It may appear as a systolic pulsation, but close scrutiny reveals that it is a systolic retraction followed by a sharp rebound during diastole. It is due to adhesion of the pericardium to the diaphragm and part of the thoracic wall. Broadbent sign was described in constrictive pericarditis.

Reference

1. Paterson AR. Case in Which “Broadbent’s Sign” Was Present, Though No Pericardial Adhesions Existed. Glasgow Med J. 1911 Jul;76(1):24-27.