Hoover's sign (pulmonary)
Encyclopedia
Hoover’s sign in pulmonology
is one of two signs named for Charles Franklin Hoover
.
It refers to inward movement of the lower rib cage
during inspiration, implying a flat, but functioning, diaphragm, often associated with COPD
. COPD, and more specifically emphysema, often lead to hyperexpansion of the lungs due to air trapping. The resulting flattened diaphragm contracts inwards instead of downwards, thereby paradoxically pulling the inferior ribs inwards with its movement.
Pulmonology
In medicine, pulmonology is the specialty that deals with diseases of the respiratory tract and respiratory disease. It is called chest medicine and respiratory medicine in some countries and areas...
is one of two signs named for Charles Franklin Hoover
Charles Franklin Hoover
Charles Franklin Hoover was an American physician born in Cleveland, Ohio, who read medicine at Harvard. He worked in Vienna under Neusser, and in Strasbourg with F Kraus before returning to Cleveland. He was appointed Professor of Medicine in 1907...
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It refers to inward movement of the lower rib cage
Rib cage
The rib cage is an arrangement of bones in the thorax of animals. It is formed by the vertebral column, ribs and sternum and encloses the heart and lungs....
during inspiration, implying a flat, but functioning, diaphragm, often associated with COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , also known as chronic obstructive lung disease , chronic obstructive airway disease , chronic airflow limitation and chronic obstructive respiratory disease , is the co-occurrence of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a pair of commonly co-existing diseases...
. COPD, and more specifically emphysema, often lead to hyperexpansion of the lungs due to air trapping. The resulting flattened diaphragm contracts inwards instead of downwards, thereby paradoxically pulling the inferior ribs inwards with its movement.