Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Shifting dullness
Introduction
The shifting dullness refers to a sign, elicited on physical examination, for ascites. If, on percussion, the region of dullness shifts when the patient is turned from supine position to side-lying, they probably have fluid in the abdomen. If the borders between tympanic and dullness remain the same, the person likely does not have ascites.
(Images courtesy of Charlie Goldberg, M.D., UCSD School of Medicine and VA Medical Center, San Diego, California)
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Shifting Dullness: Supine position -
Shifting Dullness: Right lateral position
See also
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]