Dullness in Traube's space

System: Abdominal & Digestive Signs · All abdominal & digestive signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The normally resonant, tympanic area over the stomach bubble in the lower left front of the chest becomes dull to percussion.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with enlargement of the spleen or a left pleural effusion occupying the space.

◈ Behind the name

Ludwig Traube (1818–1876), German physician; the space is bounded by the lung, heart and liver.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.