Griesinger sign (mastoid)

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The Griesinger sign refers to edema of the postauricular soft tissues overlying the mastoid process as a result of thrombosis of the mastoid emissary vein. It is a complication of acute otomastoiditis and may be associated with dural sinus occlusive disease (DSOD). It is said to be a pathognomonic finding .

History and etymology

This clinical sign is named after Wilhelm Griesinger (1817-1868), a German psychiatrist and neurologist .