Halo sign

Halo sign is a medical term used in radiology to describe the appearance of a lesion surrounded by a rim of ground glass opacity on a computed tomography (CT) scan. This sign is often associated with certain diseases, such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and can be a crucial diagnostic feature.

Definition

The Halo sign is defined as a focal area of ground glass opacity surrounding a nodule or mass on a CT scan. This appearance is due to hemorrhage or edema in the lung tissue surrounding the lesion.

Clinical Significance

The Halo sign is most commonly associated with Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis, a serious fungal infection that can occur in immunocompromised patients. However, it can also be seen in other conditions such as Cryptococcosis, Tuberculosis, and certain types of lung cancer.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of conditions associated with the Halo sign is typically made based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging findings. The presence of the Halo sign on a CT scan can provide valuable information to guide further diagnostic testing and treatment.

Treatment

The treatment for conditions associated with the Halo sign depends on the underlying cause. For example, Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis is typically treated with antifungal medications, while lung cancer may require surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

See Also

• Ground Glass Opacity
• Computed Tomography
• Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
• Cryptococcosis
• Tuberculosis
• Lung Cancer

Halo sign Resources
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