Risk Factors
Signs & Symptoms
The presence of Kehr's sign is an indication of acute pain in the tip of the shoulder when a person is lying supine with legs elevated and is caused by blood in the peritoneal cavity. Kehr's sign may result in the case of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.
Referral Pattern
The implantation site affects the clinical presentation. However, abdominopelvic pain is the most common referral for ectopic pregnancy. Shoulder pain, sudden sharp pain or constant one-sided pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting more than a few hours is suggestive of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which may result in lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting. Shoulder pain is usually preceded or accompanied by abdominal pain.
References
Lozeau, A. M., & Potter, B. (2005). Diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy. Am Fam Physician, 72(9), 1707-1714.
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- History of endometriosis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Current smoking
- Tubal pregnancy
- Advanced maternal age
- Previous intrauterine device use
Signs & Symptoms
- Abdominal Pain
- Amenorrhea or irregular bleeding
- Syncope
- Hypotension
The presence of Kehr's sign is an indication of acute pain in the tip of the shoulder when a person is lying supine with legs elevated and is caused by blood in the peritoneal cavity. Kehr's sign may result in the case of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.
Referral Pattern
The implantation site affects the clinical presentation. However, abdominopelvic pain is the most common referral for ectopic pregnancy. Shoulder pain, sudden sharp pain or constant one-sided pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting more than a few hours is suggestive of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which may result in lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting. Shoulder pain is usually preceded or accompanied by abdominal pain.
References
Lozeau, A. M., & Potter, B. (2005). Diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy. Am Fam Physician, 72(9), 1707-1714.
Image provided by: https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTUaA9SK_tOa5h61YYT-16gfoRfOi1T4iCvz2X89BguOZ-87FIQMA