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Pseudo Sister Mary Joseph's nodule
R Amaro1, J A Goldstein, C M Cely
1Division of Gastroenterology, University of Miami School of Medicine, and Miami VA Medical Center, Florida 33125-1624, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 16, 1999
Summary
Sister Mary Joseph's nodule, an umbilical finding, can indicate intra-abdominal malignancy. This case highlights an omphalith as an unusual cause, prompting a literature review on this diagnostic sign.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- The Sister Mary Joseph's nodule is a clinical sign associated with intra-abdominal malignancies.
- It presents as an umbilical metastasis, often indicating advanced disease.
Observation:
- A patient presented with an umbilical nodule.
- This nodule was identified as an omphalith, a calculus of the umbilicus.
Findings:
- The omphalith in this case was an unusual presentation mimicking a Sister Mary Joseph's nodule.
- Literature review confirms omphaliths are rare and typically benign, unlike typical Sister Mary Joseph's nodules.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of thorough differential diagnosis for umbilical lesions.
- Distinguishing omphaliths from metastatic nodules is crucial for appropriate patient management and prognosis.
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