List of radiologic signs

List of Radiologic Signs

Radiologic signs are specific patterns or findings seen on medical imaging studies, including X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Ultrasound (US), which suggest a particular diagnosis. These signs are named after their discoverers or because of the resemblance to objects or patterns familiar to the observer. Understanding these signs is crucial for radiologists and other medical professionals in diagnosing diseases. This article lists some of the most well-known radiologic signs, their imaging modality of preference, and the conditions they are associated with.

Apple Core Sign

The Apple Core Sign is typically observed in barium enema examinations of the colon. It suggests the presence of a colorectal cancer that has caused a constriction of the lumen, resembling the shape of an apple core.

Bird Beak Sign

Seen in esophagram studies using barium swallow, the Bird Beak Sign indicates achalasia, a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, leading to a narrowed distal esophagus and a beak-like appearance.

Cotton Wool Spots

Cotton Wool Spots are fluffy, white patches seen on fundoscopy, indicative of localized retinal ischemia. They are associated with various conditions, including hypertensive retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and HIV retinopathy.

Double Bubble Sign

The Double Bubble Sign is observed on prenatal ultrasound or neonatal X-ray and suggests duodenal atresia, where a blockage in the duodenum causes two distinct air-filled spaces; one in the stomach and another in the proximal duodenum.

Eggshell Calcification

Eggshell Calcification is seen on chest X-ray or CT scan of the chest, characterized by a thin, calcified rim surrounding a lymph node or mass. It is most commonly associated with silicosis and sarcoidosis.

Halo Sign

In Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the chest, the Halo Sign indicates a perimeter of ground-glass opacity surrounding a pulmonary nodule or mass, suggestive of invasive fungal infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Honeycombing

Honeycombing is a pattern seen on CT scan of the chest, characterized by cystic spaces with well-defined walls, resembling a honeycomb. It is indicative of end-stage pulmonary fibrosis.

String of Pearls Sign

The String of Pearls Sign is observed in MRI of the abdomen and suggests small bowel obstruction, where multiple dilated loops of bowel with fluid levels resemble a string of pearls.

Sunburst Sign

The Sunburst Sign can be seen on X-ray or CT scan of the bone, indicating aggressive bone formation in response to conditions like osteosarcoma.

Tram Track Sign

Tram Track Sign is observed in CT scan or MRI of the brain, indicative of cerebral calcifications seen in conditions such as Sturge-Weber syndrome.

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