Rovsing's sign is positive when palpation of the left lower quadrant increases pain in the right lower quadrant. Which condition is this sign commonly associated with?

Rovsing's sign is positive when palpation of the left lower quadrant increases pain in the right lower quadrant. Which condition is this sign commonly associated with?

• A. Appendicitis
• B. Cholecystitis
• C. Diverticulitis
• D. Pancreatitis

Answer: (A)

Rovsing's sign reflects peritoneal irritation from acute appendicitis. When you press the left lower quadrant, the movement of intraperitoneal contents and general peritoneal traction irritates the peritoneum around the inflamed appendix, producing pain felt in the right lower quadrant where the appendix is located. This pattern—LLQ palpation triggering RLQ pain—is classically associated with appendicitis because it indicates localized peritoneal inflammation near the appendix. Other conditions produce pain in different areas (diverticulitis tends to LLQ, cholecystitis RUQ, pancreatitis upper abdomen), so the distinctive referral of pain to the RLQ points toward appendiceal inflammation.

Rovsing's sign reflects peritoneal irritation from acute appendicitis. When you press the left lower quadrant, the movement of intraperitoneal contents and general peritoneal traction irritates the peritoneum around the inflamed appendix, producing pain felt in the right lower quadrant where the appendix is located. This pattern—LLQ palpation triggering RLQ pain—is classically associated with appendicitis because it indicates localized peritoneal inflammation near the appendix. Other conditions produce pain in different areas (diverticulitis tends to LLQ, cholecystitis RUQ, pancreatitis upper abdomen), so the distinctive referral of pain to the RLQ points toward appendiceal inflammation.