Thumbprint sign: Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Thumbprint sign | |||
| image = [[File:Epiglottitis.jpg|thumb|left|X-ray showing the thumbprint sign]] | |||
| caption = X-ray showing the thumbprint sign in a case of [[epiglottitis]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| pronounce = | |||
| specialty = [[Radiology]], [[Otolaryngology]] | |||
| symptoms = Swelling of the [[epiglottis]] | |||
| complications = [[Airway obstruction]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = [[Epiglottitis]], [[bacterial infection]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Lateral neck X-ray]] | |||
| differential = | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]], [[airway management]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
The '''thumbprint sign''' is a radiological finding that is often associated with [[epiglottitis]], a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis. This sign is typically observed on a lateral neck [[X-ray]] and is indicative of swelling in the region of the epiglottis. | The '''thumbprint sign''' is a radiological finding that is often associated with [[epiglottitis]], a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis. This sign is typically observed on a lateral neck [[X-ray]] and is indicative of swelling in the region of the epiglottis. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The thumbprint sign is named for its resemblance to the shape of a human thumbprint. It occurs due to the thickening and edema of the epiglottis, which causes it to protrude and appear enlarged on radiographic images. This swelling can obstruct the airway, leading to respiratory distress, which is why prompt recognition and treatment are critical. | The thumbprint sign is named for its resemblance to the shape of a human thumbprint. It occurs due to the thickening and edema of the epiglottis, which causes it to protrude and appear enlarged on radiographic images. This swelling can obstruct the airway, leading to respiratory distress, which is why prompt recognition and treatment are critical. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Patients with epiglottitis often present with symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), drooling, and stridor. The condition is more common in children but can also occur in adults. The thumbprint sign is a key diagnostic feature that helps differentiate epiglottitis from other causes of upper airway obstruction. | Patients with epiglottitis often present with symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), drooling, and stridor. The condition is more common in children but can also occur in adults. The thumbprint sign is a key diagnostic feature that helps differentiate epiglottitis from other causes of upper airway obstruction. | ||
==Radiological Appearance== | ==Radiological Appearance== | ||
On a lateral neck X-ray, the thumbprint sign appears as a rounded, thumb-like projection at the level of the epiglottis. This finding is contrasted with the normal, thin appearance of the epiglottis. The presence of the thumbprint sign should prompt immediate medical evaluation and intervention. | On a lateral neck X-ray, the thumbprint sign appears as a rounded, thumb-like projection at the level of the epiglottis. This finding is contrasted with the normal, thin appearance of the epiglottis. The presence of the thumbprint sign should prompt immediate medical evaluation and intervention. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
The management of epiglottitis involves securing the airway, often through intubation, and administering appropriate antibiotics to treat the underlying infection. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the obstruction. | The management of epiglottitis involves securing the airway, often through intubation, and administering appropriate antibiotics to treat the underlying infection. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the obstruction. | ||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
The thumbprint sign should be distinguished from other radiological signs that indicate different conditions. For example, the "steeple sign" is associated with [[croup]], another cause of upper airway obstruction in children. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. | The thumbprint sign should be distinguished from other radiological signs that indicate different conditions. For example, the "steeple sign" is associated with [[croup]], another cause of upper airway obstruction in children. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Epiglottitis]] | * [[Epiglottitis]] | ||
* [[X-ray]] | * [[X-ray]] | ||
* [[Airway obstruction]] | * [[Airway obstruction]] | ||
* [[Radiology]] | * [[Radiology]] | ||
[[Category:Radiologic signs]] | [[Category:Radiologic signs]] | ||
[[Category:Medical imaging]] | [[Category:Medical imaging]] | ||
[[Category:Emergency medicine]] | [[Category:Emergency medicine]] | ||
Latest revision as of 07:37, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Thumbprint sign | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Radiology, Otolaryngology |
| Symptoms | Swelling of the epiglottis |
| Complications | Airway obstruction |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Epiglottitis, bacterial infection |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Lateral neck X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, airway management |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
The thumbprint sign is a radiological finding that is often associated with epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis. This sign is typically observed on a lateral neck X-ray and is indicative of swelling in the region of the epiglottis.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The thumbprint sign is named for its resemblance to the shape of a human thumbprint. It occurs due to the thickening and edema of the epiglottis, which causes it to protrude and appear enlarged on radiographic images. This swelling can obstruct the airway, leading to respiratory distress, which is why prompt recognition and treatment are critical.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with epiglottitis often present with symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), drooling, and stridor. The condition is more common in children but can also occur in adults. The thumbprint sign is a key diagnostic feature that helps differentiate epiglottitis from other causes of upper airway obstruction.
Radiological Appearance[edit]
On a lateral neck X-ray, the thumbprint sign appears as a rounded, thumb-like projection at the level of the epiglottis. This finding is contrasted with the normal, thin appearance of the epiglottis. The presence of the thumbprint sign should prompt immediate medical evaluation and intervention.
Management[edit]
The management of epiglottitis involves securing the airway, often through intubation, and administering appropriate antibiotics to treat the underlying infection. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the obstruction.
Differential Diagnosis[edit]
The thumbprint sign should be distinguished from other radiological signs that indicate different conditions. For example, the "steeple sign" is associated with croup, another cause of upper airway obstruction in children. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
