Golden S sign

Golden S sign is a radiological sign often seen in chest X-rays and CT scans of the chest. It is associated with certain lung conditions, particularly lung cancers such as bronchogenic carcinomas that obstruct a bronchus and lead to atelectasis (collapse) of the lung distal to the obstruction. The sign is named for its characteristic appearance, which resembles a reversed "S".

Appearance and Interpretation

The Golden S sign appears as a curvilinear opacity in the shape of a reversed "S" on radiographic images. The upper part of the "S" is formed by the obstructing mass, while the lower part is formed by the collapsed lung. The sign is considered positive when this characteristic shape is seen in the appropriate clinical context.

The presence of the Golden S sign is highly suggestive of a central lung cancer causing post-obstructive atelectasis. However, it can also be seen in other conditions that cause bronchial obstruction and subsequent lung collapse, such as tuberculous or fungal infections, or foreign body aspiration.

Clinical Significance

The Golden S sign is a valuable diagnostic tool in radiology. Its presence on a chest X-ray or CT scan can alert the clinician to the possibility of a central lung cancer, prompting further investigation with procedures such as bronchoscopy or biopsy. Early detection of lung cancer can significantly improve patient outcomes, as treatment options and prognosis are generally better in the early stages of the disease.

However, the Golden S sign is not specific for lung cancer, and its presence should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical history, symptoms, and other imaging findings. Other diagnostic tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

See Also

• Chest radiography
• Computed tomography
• Lung cancer
• Bronchogenic carcinoma
• Atelectasis
• Bronchus
• Bronchoscopy
• Biopsy