Assmann Symptom
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
The Assmann symptom is a radiological sign in the early stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, characterized by lesions in the subclavicular area rather than at the apex of the lung. This finding, first noted by Grau and Assmann, is visible on X-ray as small or large shadows below the clavicle.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Assmann Symptom (Assmann), a radioscopic and radiographic symptom in the initial stage of pulmonary tuberculosis. Grau and Assmann were the first to note that tuberculous lesions of the lungs often begin not at the very apex, but in the subclavicular area, between the hilus and the clavicle. In these cases, the radiographic picture shows separate small foci or one large shadow of lung opacity—not above the clavicle, as is usual, but under the clavicle, between it and the sternum. Such a lung lesion can be detected with certainty by X-rays and is known in radiodiagnosis as the Assmann symptom.
Related articles
Cite this page
“Assmann Symptom.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/assmann-symptom/