Williams' Sign
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Williams' sign is the unilateral limitation of diaphragm movement, particularly its reduced descent during inspiration. It is typically observed in infiltrative processes in the lung, mainly in the upper lobes, and is detected exclusively through radioscopy.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Williams' Sign (Williams), unilateral limitation of diaphragm movement, in particular limitation of its descent during the inspiratory movement. Usually observed in infiltrative processes in the lung (tuberculosis, pneumonia), mainly in the upper lobes. Williams' sign is discovered exclusively with the aid of radioscopy. The explanations given for Williams' sign are contradictory. Williams himself connects this phenomenon with reduced capacity, resp. the lung's ability to expand. Others explain the weakening of the diaphragmatic dome's mobility by reduced excitability of the phrenic nerve, drawn into the infiltrative process. The symptom is inconsistent and of little reliability.
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Cite this page
“Williams' Sign.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/williams-sign/