What is Valentino's syndrome?

The eponym ‘Valentino's syndrome’ is used to describe patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease who present with right lower quadrant pain and suspected appendicitis. It is named for Rudolph Valentino, the film star who died on 23 August 1926 at the age of 31 from complications of perforated peptic ulcer disease. In the early 1920s, the Italian-born actor had a meteoric rise to fame in the burgeoning film industry. His first starring role in the 1921 silent film, The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse, was a sensation and was followed quickly by a string of commercially successful movies. He was in good health until he presented with an acute abdomen in early August of 1926. He underwent a laparotomy and was found to have a perforated peptic ulcer that was repaired with simple closure and an omental patch. He initially rallied after surgery but ultimately died on the eighth post-operative day from complications of sepsis. This manuscript will review Valentino's brief acting career, his medical history, and how the eponym which bears his name describes a disease presentation that is different from his actual clinical course.

Duke Scholars

Author Theodore N. Pappas Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery