Ebstein's Sign

Ebstein's sign (also known as Ebstein-Westphal-Jacobi sign) is an anatomical abnormality in which the thumb is positioned lower than the other fingers and deviated from the palm. This congenital condition can be unilateral or bilateral.

Named after the German physician Wilhelm Ebstein (1836-1912), who first described this symptom in the 1880s. Later, the symptom was studied in more detail by German doctors Ernst von Westphal and Karl Wilhelm Jacobi.

Ebstein's sign is most often an isolated defect in the development of the hand. However, in some cases it may be associated with cardiac and renal abnormalities, as well as Down syndrome. Can be inherited as a dominant or recessive trait.

The diagnosis is made based on external examination. Treatment is usually not required unless there is functional impairment of the hand. In severe cases, surgery is possible to restore the correct position of the thumb.