Lincoln sign explained

Differential:	Marfan syndrome

Lincoln sign is the medical sign consisting of excessive popliteal artery pulsation due to hemodynamic effects of aortic regurgitation.^[1] This sign is associated with Marfan syndrome, in which aortic root dilation and aortic incompetence are common features.

History

The name Lincoln sign is based on a hypothetical diagnosis for a patient, namely the USA's 16th president Abraham Lincoln. In 1962, Dr Abraham M. Gordon suggested that Lincoln had Marfan's syndrome.^[2] In 1964, Dr Harold Schwartz adduced further evidence that Lincoln might have had Marfan syndrome.^[3] Later, Schwartz suggested that, based upon evidence shown in a famous photograph, Lincoln had the aortic insufficiency associated with what is now called Lincoln sign.^[4]

However, Gordon's hypothesis is highly controversial.

See also

• • Medical and mental health of Abraham Lincoln

Notes and References

1. Book: Houghton AR. Gray D. Table 7.11 Eponymous signs in aortic regurgitation. Chamberlain's Symptoms and Signs in Clinical Medicine. 13th. 2010. CRC Press. 73. 9780340974254. https://books.google.com/books?id=IXynWiryyjoC&pg=PA73.
2. Abraham Lincoln – a medical appraisal. Kentucky Medical Association. March 1962. 60. 249–253. 13900423. Gordon. Abraham M.. 60. 0023-0294.
3. Abraham Lincoln and the Marfan Syndrome. Schwartz H. JAMA. 1964. 187. 7. 473–479. 10.1001/jama.1964.03060200005001. 14084818.
4. Schwartz H. Abraham Lincoln and aortic insufficiency. Calif Med. 1972. 116. 5. 82–84. 1518411. 4565398.