Cullen's sign refers to bluish discoloration in which location?

Cullen's sign refers to bluish discoloration in which location?

• A. Face
• B. Chest wall
• C. Groin area
• D. Umbilical area

Answer: (D)

Cullen's sign signals intra-abdominal bleeding presenting as periumbilical ecchymosis. When blood collects in the peritoneal cavity, it can track along connective tissue toward the umbilicus via the falciform ligament, producing a bluish discoloration around the navel. This makes the umbilical area the characteristic site of this sign. Other locations like the face, chest wall, or groin are not associated with Cullen's sign, which helps distinguish intra-abdominal bleeding as the underlying issue.

Cullen's sign signals intra-abdominal bleeding presenting as periumbilical ecchymosis. When blood collects in the peritoneal cavity, it can track along connective tissue toward the umbilicus via the falciform ligament, producing a bluish discoloration around the navel. This makes the umbilical area the characteristic site of this sign. Other locations like the face, chest wall, or groin are not associated with Cullen's sign, which helps distinguish intra-abdominal bleeding as the underlying issue.