Cullen's sign associated with metastatic esophageal carcinoma.
Cullen's sign refers to the presence of periumbilical ecchymosis and is most often recognized as a manifestation of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. However, lesser-appreciated etiologies include ruptured ectopic pregnancy, leaking aortic aneurysm, and intraabdominal malignancy. We report the case of a patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus who developed Cullen's sign shortly before death. Based on this case and previously reported cases, malignancy-associated Cullen's sign portends a dismal prognosis, and may be considered a pre-terminal finding.
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio 45429, USA. Mmarinella@pol.net
Mark A
MA
Marinella
Michael
M
Baumann
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000556:secondary; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004438:Ecchymosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014472:Umbilicus