- A dictionary of medical eponyms

Bean's syndrome

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A syndrome of skin changes on the upper trunk typical of chronic liver disease. It is marked by the appearance of one or many blue, small rubbery subcutaneous nodules, easily compressible and promptly refilling after compression. Some of the larger tumours resemble nipples. It is associated with haemangiomas of the gastrointestinal tract. Complications may include gastrointestinal bleeding (leading to iron-deficiency anaemia), amputation of extremities, ocular lesions, intussusception, and orthopaedic disorders. Nocturnal pain and regional hyperhidrosis may occur. Aetiology unknown. Both sporadic and autosomal dominant cases reported.

First reported in 1860 by Gaskoyen, first detailed description in 1958 by the American internist William B. Bean. Gaskoyen, referred to by one author, is probably the English dermatologist George Gaskoin (1818?-1887).

Bibliography

  • Gaskoyen:
    Case of naevus involving the parotid gland, and causing death from suffocation: neavi of the viscera.
    Transactions of the Pathological Society of London, 1860, 11: 267.
  • W. B. Bean:
    Vascular spiders and related lesions of the skin.
    Springfield, Illinois, Thomas, 1958, pp 178-185.

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