Bilateral Earlobe Creases and Subsequent Malignant Cerebral Infarction: A Patient With Diffuse Endothelial...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Frank's sign, a diagonal earlobe crease, is increasingly recognized as a potential indicator of underlying vascular disease.
• The prevalence of Frank's sign increases with age, suggesting a link to age-related vascular changes.
• Identifying Frank's sign is crucial for early detection of individuals at high risk for cardiovascular events.

Observation:

• This case report details a woman in her 50s presenting with Frank's sign.
• The patient's clinical presentation and diagnostic workup are discussed in relation to vascular disease.
• The specific association between Frank's sign and reperfusion syndrome, as seen in this patient, is novel.

Findings:

• Frank's sign is characterized by a specific diagonal crease on the earlobe.
• The presence of Frank's sign is correlated with increased vascular risk and endothelial dysfunction.
• A novel association between Frank's sign and reperfusion syndrome is observed in this case.

Implications:

• Early recognition of Frank's sign can aid in identifying patients with significant vascular disease risk.
• This finding may prompt further investigation into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking earlobe creases to vascular health.
• The case underscores the importance of integrating dermatological signs into cardiovascular risk assessment.