Pemberton sign in diagnosis of retrosternal goiter

Abstract

The Pemberton maneuver (elevating both arms until they touch the sides of the head for a minute) is a method to increase pressure in the thoracic inlet and further narrow the aperture.1 If congestion, cyanosis of face or distension of neck veins or distress become apparent, it is suggestive of retrosternal goiter. We describe two patients with Pemberton sign.