A research team at Yale University, led by Dr. John Elefteriades, has developed a quick and simple test that could aid in the early detection of aortic aneurysm. This condition is a life-threatening dilation that occurs due to weakening or injury of the arterial wall. An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly develops in the aorta or the brain. If this dilation suddenly ruptures, it can cause severe internal bleeding, which is often fatal. Therefore, early detection is crucial.
Elefteriades’ team suggests the so-called «thumb sign test» which can reveal early signs of an aneurysm. The method is extremely simple: the subject extends their hand, turns their palm upwards, and then tries to bend their thumb as far as possible towards the inside of the palm. If the thumb extends beyond the edge of the palm without the hand bending, it may indicate a risk of aortic aneurysm. Why does this test work? According to researchers, excessive flexibility of the thumb may indicate abnormal tension in the long bones and weak joints, which could be a characteristic of connective tissue diseases — including problems with the aorta.
To verify the effectiveness of the test, Dr. Elefteriades and his team examined the hands of 305 patients who had previously undergone cardiac surgery, including for aortic aneurysm. The results showed that most patients suffering from an aneurysm were unable to bend their thumb behind the edge of their palm, but a significant percentage of subjects were still able to do so. This discovery suggests that if someone gets a positive result on the test, they may have a higher likelihood of having an aortic aneurysm. However, it is important to emphasize that this test can only serve as a preliminary warning and does not replace a medical examination. Experts advise that if someone gets a positive result, they should consult with a cardiologist and undergo further tests to assess the actual health risk.
