Asterixis

From Anvita Health Wiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Etiology 3 Clinical-manifestations 4 More General Terms 5 References

Introduction

• Sometimes referred to as a 'liver flap'.

Etiology

• may be seen in any diffuse encephalopathy related to

• drug intoxication
• organ system failure, especially

• renal failure
• pulmonary insufficiency {especially with hypercarbia}

• CNS infection

Clinical-manifestations

• brief, arrhythmic interruptions of sustained voluntary muscle contraction, usually observed as a brief lapse of posture of wrists in dorsiflexion with arms outstretched

More General Terms

• sign/symptom

References

1. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed. Companion Handbook, Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1995, pg 38
2. Guide to Physical Examination & History Taking, 4th edition, Bates, B, JB Lippincott, Philadelphia.

asterixis (liver flap)