MORE VIDEOS
Explore more

Clinical Signs Beginning With A

18 signs in this guide begin with the letter A. Every name links to a page explaining what the sign is, how it is elicited on examination, what a positive finding is associated with, and — for eponyms — who the sign is named after.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y

SignSystemA positive finding is associated with
Aaron's signAbdomen & DigestionDescribed as associated with chronic appendicitis, though it is rarely used today.
Abadie's signHormones & MetabolismAssociated with thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy).
Abdominal reflexesNeurologyLoss of the reflexes is associated with corticospinal lesions, but also commonly with obesity, pregnancy and previous abdominal surgery.
Abdominojugular testGeneral, Eyes & EarsAssociated with right heart failure and raised right-sided filling pressures.
Absent red reflexGeneral, Eyes & EarsAssociated with congenital cataract, retinoblastoma and other serious eye conditions in childhood — it always needs prompt specialist assessment.
Acanthosis nigricansSkin & NailsAssociated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; rarely and when rapidly progressive in an older adult, it is associated with internal cancer.
Adam's forward bend testMuscles, Bones & JointsAssociated with structural scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
Adson's testMuscles, Bones & JointsAssociated with thoracic outlet compression of the subclavian artery, classically by a cervical rib or scalene muscles.
Allen's testGeneral, Eyes & EarsUsed before radial artery puncture or cannulation to check that the ulnar artery alone can supply the hand.
Amsler gridGeneral, Eyes & EarsAssociated with disease of the central retina (macula), such as age-related macular degeneration.
Anterior drawer testMuscles, Bones & JointsAssociated with injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Apley's grind testMuscles, Bones & JointsAssociated with meniscal tears of the knee.
Argyll Robertson pupilNeurologyClassically associated with neurosyphilis, although other midbrain lesions can produce it.
Asboe-Hansen signSkin & NailsAssociated with blistering diseases where the skin splits easily, such as pemphigus vulgaris — an extension of the Nikolsky phenomenon.
Ash-leaf spotsSkin & NailsAssociated with tuberous sclerosis complex.
AsterixisAbdomen & DigestionAssociated with metabolic encephalopathy, classically liver failure (hepatic encephalopathy); also seen in kidney failure and high carbon dioxide levels.
Auspitz's signSkin & NailsAssociated with psoriasis, because the thinned skin over the plaque exposes dilated capillaries.
Austin Flint murmurHeart & CirculationAssociated with significant aortic regurgitation vibrating the mitral valve leaflet.
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.