Steeple sign

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Steeple sign

Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

In radiology, the steeple sign is a sign on a frontal X-ray of tracheal narrowing and suggestive of the diagnosis of croup.[1]

X Ray

  • The steeple sign is seen on anteroposterior radiographs of the soft tissues of the neck.
    • Normal lateral convexities of the subglottic trachea are lost, and narrowing of the subglottic lumen produces an inverted V configuration in this area.
    • Point of the inverted V is at the level of the inferior margin of the true vocal cords.
    • Narrowing of the subglottic lumen alters the radiographic appearance of the tracheal air column, which resembles a steeply pitched roof or a church steeple.
  • The lateral radiograph of the upper airway will show a normal epiglottis and narrowing of the subglottic region.

References

  1. Salour M (2000). "The steeple sign". Radiology. 216 (2): 428–9. PMID 10924564.

Template:Skin and subcutaneous tissue symptoms and signs Template:Nervous and musculoskeletal system symptoms and signs Template:Urinary system symptoms and signs Template:Cognition, perception, emotional state and behaviour symptoms and signs Template:Speech and voice symptoms and signs Template:General symptoms and signs


Template:WikiDoc Sources