Learning objectives
1- to review 35 classic signs in thoracic radiology.
2- to discuss the pertinent features related to each sign with emphasis on the cause of the appearance of these signs,
and the differential diagnoses to be considered.
Background
Radiologic signs are recognizable,
characteristic patterns used to describe abnormalities visualized on imaging modalities that ultimately aid in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of disease.
Benjamin Felson used to say that “the name saves time,
helps you remember the sign,
and advertises it”.
So when a classic sign is invoked,
it immediately brings an image to mind and add confidence to the diagnosis of certain conditions.
The purpose of this exhibit is to describe and illustrate some of the classic signs in thoracic radiology,
discuss...
Findings and procedure details
SILHOUETTE SIGN
This classic roentgenographic sign first described by Felson in 1950 states that “an intrathoracic lesion touching a border of the heart,
aorta,
or diaphragm will obliterate that border on the roentgenogram
An intra-thoracic lesion not anatomically contiguous with a border or a normal structure will not obliterate that border
Reliable sign distinguishing anterior lung lesions from posterior or lower lesions
When two objects of the same density touch each other the edge between them disappears (figure 2)
AIR BRONCHOGRAM SIGN
It occurs in...
Conclusion
Familiarity with these signs helps in arriving at a diagnosis in day-to-day practice.
Newer imaging modalities may render some signs obsolete,
but they do not change the basic pathophysiology on which the signs are based.
Personal information
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE PERNAMBUCO
RECIFE - PERNAMBUCO - BRAZIL
AUTHORS
ADONIS MANZELLA,
MD MSc
PAULO BORBA FILHO,
MD
EDSON MARCHIORI,
MD,
PhD
GLAUCIA ZANETTI,
MD
DANTE ESCUISSATO,
MD
FILIPE A FELIX,
MD
EOLO ALBUQUERQUE,
MD
[email protected]
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