Traube's space is located in the left half of the front chest wall and is limited by the sixth rib, left anterior axillary line, and left costal arch. [1] Within this space lies the fundus of the stomach. [2] During physical examination by percussion, a tympanic sound is produced due to the air-filled structure (Traube open). [3,4] However, in some pathological conditions, the space between the fundus of the stomach and the diaphragm shrinks and the sound heard changes to a dull tone (Traube closed). [3,5] Traube (1818-1876), who performed studies in this field, pointed out that the tympanic sound of this space may not be produced in various diseases. [1,6] In the following years, various related physical examination methods were developed, such as Nixon's method and Castell's method. Nixon studied this space by making patients lie on their right side, whereas Castell studied this space by making the patients lie on their back (supine position). [7,8] The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Traube's space as evaluated by Castell's method and the body mass index (BMI).
Materials and MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of 35 individuals (21 males, 14 females) aged 22 to 30 years. The Ethics Committee of Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey also approved the study (2008/08 -05.06.2008). Individuals taking part in the study were first given written and verbal information regarding the study. The examination of Traube's space was carried out twice by the same physician, using the same method,