Pratt's sign

System: Blood & Lymph Signs · All blood & lymph signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Three small dilated veins become visible across the front of the shin (sentinel veins) in a leg with a clot, remaining visible when the leg is raised.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with deep vein thrombosis of the leg.

◈ Behind the name

Gerald Hilary Pratt (1907–1978), American vascular surgeon.

Browse the P 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.