Exploring the Potential of Earlobe Crease as an Indicator of Coronary Artery Disease Risk: A Preliminary Case Study in Nepal

Abstract

Pragya Rai, Shrijan Shrestha, Suman Rijal, Sumit Kumar Singh

Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Frank’s sign, also called diagonal earlobe crease (DELC), is an emerging physical finding that has been linked with the risk and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Such finding serves a utile purpose with a diagnostic value for detection of CAD.

Objective Frank’s sign could be used as a potential indicator of risk for CAD that could be explored while examining the patients for their early diagnosis and treatment in resource-limited setting.

Finding We encountered with a 71-year-old individual displaying Frank’s sign, with a history of smoking, chronic alcohol consumption and hypertension, predisposing him to coronary artery disease (CAD). Frank's sign gained attention for its association with angina pectoris, electrocardiographic ischemic changes, and coronary artery disease soon after the discovery from 1973. Since then, many researchers have emphasized on the grandness of DLEC in espial of CAD.

Conclusion Frank sign or DELC can be used as a simple, convenient and effective physical finding for earlier discovery and treatment of CAD.

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