Kehr's sign

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

What it is — and how it is elicited

Pain felt at the tip of the left shoulder when the abdomen is pressed, or when the patient lies flat or head-down, after abdominal bleeding or injury.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with irritation of the diaphragm by blood, classically from a ruptured spleen.

◈ Behind the name

Hans Kehr (1862–1916), German surgeon.

Browse the K section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

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.