Trousseau’s sign is seen in all the following except
## Core Concept
Trousseau's sign, also known as the "obstetrician's hand," is a clinical indication of **latent tetany**, often associated with **hypocalcemia**. It involves the inflation of a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm to a pressure exceeding systolic blood pressure for a few minutes, leading to a characteristic contraction of the hand and forearm muscles.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, **D. Hypercalcemia**, is right because Trousseau's sign is specifically associated with conditions that lead to increased neuromuscular excitability, such as **hypocalcemia**. Hypocalcemia lowers the threshold for nerve and muscle excitability, leading to muscle cramps, spasms, and tetany. Hypercalcemia, on the other hand, typically decreases neuromuscular excitability and would not cause a positive Trousseau's sign.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
* **Option A:** Hypocalcemia is a classic cause of a positive Trousseau's sign due to increased neuromuscular excitability.
* **Option B:** Respiratory alkalosis can lead to a positive Trousseau's sign because it can cause a decrease in ionized calcium levels in the blood, leading to hypocalcemia.
* **Option C:** Chronic renal failure can result in hypocalcemia due to phosphate retention and decreased vitamin D activation, leading to a positive Trousseau's sign.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key clinical pearl is that Trousseau's sign is a useful bedside test for **hypocalcemia**, which can be caused by various conditions including vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, and hypoparathyroidism. Remember, **hypocalcemia** is the common link among conditions that cause a positive Trousseau's sign.
## Correct Answer: D. Hypercalcemia.