Aneurysm: Simple thumb test can detect risk

A simple test that measures thumb flexibility can help alert people to a possible risk of an aortic aneurysm, a study from Yale University shows.

Identify risk of aneurysm with thumb test

A simple thumb test could alert people to the risk of a hidden aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulging of the blood vessel walls that can occur anywhere in the body. However, the aorta, the main artery and the brain are usually affected. According to estimates, more than two million Germans have an aneurysm in the brain, 250,000 an aortic aneurysm in the abdomen, from which around 2,000 people die every year. A screening of the abdominal aorta is already covered by health insurance for men, as they are more frequently affected.

If an aneurysm is detected at an early stage, close monitoring and the reduction of any existing high blood pressure are often sufficient, depending on the size. In addition, the vessel can be surgically stabilized with a stent or a vascular prosthesis.

However, early detection is often problematic, since aneurysms usually do not cause any symptoms. A simple test could be used for early detection study of Yale University describes. For at least two decades, lead author John A Elefteriades and his colleagues have been introducing the thumb test to medical students in their lectures and using the test in patients who may be at increased risk of aneurysms. But despite this widespread use, the accuracy of the test was never evaluated in a clinical setting prior to the study, the researcher said.

Procedure of the thumb test

The test is very simple: the patient holds up one hand, palm flat, and bends the thumb over the palm as much as possible. If the thumb goes beyond the very edge of the palm, there could be a hidden aneurysm. Important: Do not bend or twist your hand. This photo shows what it might look like.

Flexibility in the thumb is an indication that the long bones are under excessive stress and the joints are lax. This indicates possible connective tissue disease throughout the body, including the aorta. But not everyone who can move their thumb this way has one aneurysm, emphasize the scientists. They also pointed out that it often takes decades for an aneurysm to rupture and that a positive test is no reason to panic.

Test should become the standard examination

The test was performed on 305 patients undergoing cardiac surgery for various conditions, including aortic aneurysms. The study showed that patients with a positive test have a high probability of having an aneurysm.

Based on their results, the researchers recommend including the thumb test in the standard examination of patients. This could be particularly useful for patients who have a family history. “The spread of this test could identify silent aneurysm carriers and save lives,” says Eleftheriades.

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Sources: fitbook.de, netdoktor.de, rtl.de, news-yale.edu

Rapid action is also required in the event of a stroke if there are dangerous circulatory disorders in the brain. More information can be found here:

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