Relationship Between Frank's Sign and Cardiovascular Disease: An Autopsy-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pathology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Frank's sign, a diagonal earlobe crease, is a potential external marker for cardiovascular disease.
• Previous studies suggest a link between Frank's sign and fatal coronary artery disease outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence of Frank's sign in cardiovascular versus non-cardiovascular deaths.
• To assess the association between Frank's sign and critical coronary artery stenosis.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional autopsy study involving 51 cardiovascular deaths and 51 matched non-cardiovascular deaths.
• Assessment of Frank's sign presence and severity from photographs, correlated with coronary artery stenosis.
• Statistical analysis using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Frank's sign was significantly more prevalent in cardiovascular deaths (p < 0.001).
• A strong association was observed between Frank's sign and critical atherosclerotic coronary artery occlusion (p < 0.001).
• Frank's sign independently predicted critical coronary occlusion (adjusted odds ratio = 7.77, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Frank's sign is significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality due to coronary artery atherosclerosis.
• The earlobe crease demonstrates moderate diagnostic performance for predicting cardiovascular death and critical coronary occlusion.
• Frank's sign may serve as a valuable, non-invasive external clinical marker in cardiovascular risk assessment.