Hippocrates' Splash Sound
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
A phenomenon described by Hippocrates, observed when both liquid and gas are present in the pleural cavity or another relatively large cavity in the chest. The sound can be heard from a distance when the patient's position is quickly changed or when the body is shaken.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Hippocrates' Splash Sound, a phenomenon described by Hippocrates, is observed in cases of simultaneous presence of liquid and gas in the pleural cavity or in another, relatively large cavity in the chest. In such cases, sometimes from a distance from the patient, a splashing sound is heard in his chest during a rapid change in body position or when shaking the torso. On auscultation in such cases, with the same movements, a characteristic metallic splashing sound is obtained. It must be borne in mind that the stomach also produces such a sound if it contains a significant amount of liquid and gas.
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Cite this page
“Hippocrates' Splash Sound.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/hippocrates-splash-sound/