Cupola sign

Cupola Sign is a medical term used in radiology to describe a specific appearance on a chest X-ray or CT scan. It is often associated with Pneumoperitoneum, a condition where air or gas is present in the abdominal cavity. The Cupola Sign is considered a reliable indicator of this condition.

Definition[edit | edit source]

The Cupola Sign is defined as the presence of free air under the central tendon of the diaphragm, which is visualized as a radiolucent shadow over the cardiac silhouette on an erect chest X-ray. This sign is named after the Italian word 'cupola', which means 'dome', due to the dome-shaped appearance of the air under the diaphragm.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The Cupola Sign is a significant clinical finding as it is often indicative of Pneumoperitoneum. Pneumoperitoneum is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. It is most commonly caused by perforation of a hollow viscus, such as the stomach or intestines, but can also be caused by other conditions such as Pneumothorax or Pneumomediastinum.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of the Cupola Sign is typically made through imaging studies. An erect chest X-ray is the most common method used to identify this sign. However, a CT scan can also be used for diagnosis, and is often more sensitive in detecting small amounts of free air.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for conditions associated with the Cupola Sign, such as Pneumoperitoneum, typically involves surgery to repair the perforated viscus. In some cases, non-surgical treatments may be used, such as antibiotics or observation, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Cupola sign Resources
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