Cupola sign: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Radiological sign in pneumoperitoneum}}
{{SI}} {{Infobox medical condition
 
| name                    = Cupola sign
| image                  = [[File:Cupola_sign.jpg|250px]]
| caption                = Radiographic appearance of the cupola sign
| synonyms                =
| pronounce              =
| specialty              = [[Radiology]]
| symptoms                =
| complications          =
| onset                  =
| duration                =
| types                  =
| causes                  = [[Pneumoperitoneum]]
| risks                  =
| diagnosis              = [[X-ray]]
| differential            =
| prevention              =
| treatment              =
| medication              =
| prognosis              =
| frequency              =
| deaths                  =
}}
The '''Cupola sign''' is a radiological sign seen on [[X-ray]] that indicates the presence of [[pneumoperitoneum]], which is free air in the [[peritoneal cavity]]. It is characterized by the appearance of a radiolucent area under the central tendon of the [[diaphragm]] on a supine abdominal X-ray. This sign is important for diagnosing conditions that lead to free air in the abdomen, such as [[perforated peptic ulcer]] or [[bowel perforation]]. The presence of the cupola sign suggests the need for further investigation and possible surgical intervention.{{Short description|Radiological sign in pneumoperitoneum}}
The '''cupola sign''' is a radiological finding indicative of the presence of free air in the [[peritoneal cavity]], a condition known as [[pneumoperitoneum]]. This sign is typically observed on an [[upright chest X-ray]] and is characterized by the appearance of a crescent of air beneath the central tendon of the [[diaphragm]].
The '''cupola sign''' is a radiological finding indicative of the presence of free air in the [[peritoneal cavity]], a condition known as [[pneumoperitoneum]]. This sign is typically observed on an [[upright chest X-ray]] and is characterized by the appearance of a crescent of air beneath the central tendon of the [[diaphragm]].
==Radiological Appearance==
==Radiological Appearance==
[[File:Cupola_sign.jpg|Cupola sign on X-ray|thumb|right]]
[[File:Cupola_sign.jpg|Cupola sign on X-ray|thumb|left]]
The cupola sign is best visualized on an upright chest X-ray. It appears as a radiolucent area beneath the central part of the diaphragm, often resembling a dome or "cupola." This occurs because free air in the peritoneal cavity rises to the highest point when the patient is in an upright position, which is beneath the central tendon of the diaphragm.
The cupola sign is best visualized on an upright chest X-ray. It appears as a radiolucent area beneath the central part of the diaphragm, often resembling a dome or "cupola." This occurs because free air in the peritoneal cavity rises to the highest point when the patient is in an upright position, which is beneath the central tendon of the diaphragm.
==Clinical Significance==
==Clinical Significance==
The presence of the cupola sign is a critical indicator of pneumoperitoneum, which often results from a perforation in the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. Common causes include perforated [[peptic ulcer]], [[diverticulitis]], or [[trauma]]. Prompt recognition of this sign is essential as pneumoperitoneum can lead to [[peritonitis]], a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical intervention.
The presence of the cupola sign is a critical indicator of pneumoperitoneum, which often results from a perforation in the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. Common causes include perforated [[peptic ulcer]], [[diverticulitis]], or [[trauma]]. Prompt recognition of this sign is essential as pneumoperitoneum can lead to [[peritonitis]], a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical intervention.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum using the cupola sign involves obtaining an upright chest X-ray. In some cases, additional imaging such as an [[abdominal X-ray]] or [[computed tomography (CT) scan]] may be necessary to confirm the presence of free air and to identify the underlying cause of the perforation.
The diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum using the cupola sign involves obtaining an upright chest X-ray. In some cases, additional imaging such as an [[abdominal X-ray]] or [[computed tomography (CT) scan]] may be necessary to confirm the presence of free air and to identify the underlying cause of the perforation.
==Management==
==Management==
Management of a patient with a positive cupola sign involves addressing the underlying cause of the pneumoperitoneum. This typically requires surgical intervention to repair the perforation. In addition, supportive care, including [[intravenous fluids]], [[antibiotics]], and [[pain management]], is crucial in stabilizing the patient.
Management of a patient with a positive cupola sign involves addressing the underlying cause of the pneumoperitoneum. This typically requires surgical intervention to repair the perforation. In addition, supportive care, including [[intravenous fluids]], [[antibiotics]], and [[pain management]], is crucial in stabilizing the patient.
 
==See also==
==Related Pages==
* [[Pneumoperitoneum]]
* [[Pneumoperitoneum]]
* [[Peritonitis]]
* [[Peritonitis]]
* [[Gastrointestinal perforation]]
* [[Gastrointestinal perforation]]
* [[Radiology]]
* [[Radiology]]
[[Category:Radiologic signs]]
[[Category:Radiologic signs]]
[[Category:Medical imaging]]
[[Category:Medical imaging]]

Latest revision as of 00:07, 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

Cupola sign
Synonyms
Pronounce
Specialty Radiology
Symptoms
Complications
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes Pneumoperitoneum
Risks
Diagnosis X-ray
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths


The Cupola sign is a radiological sign seen on X-ray that indicates the presence of pneumoperitoneum, which is free air in the peritoneal cavity. It is characterized by the appearance of a radiolucent area under the central tendon of the diaphragm on a supine abdominal X-ray. This sign is important for diagnosing conditions that lead to free air in the abdomen, such as perforated peptic ulcer or bowel perforation. The presence of the cupola sign suggests the need for further investigation and possible surgical intervention. Radiological sign in pneumoperitoneum


The cupola sign is a radiological finding indicative of the presence of free air in the peritoneal cavity, a condition known as pneumoperitoneum. This sign is typically observed on an upright chest X-ray and is characterized by the appearance of a crescent of air beneath the central tendon of the diaphragm.

Radiological Appearance[edit]

Cupola sign on X-ray

The cupola sign is best visualized on an upright chest X-ray. It appears as a radiolucent area beneath the central part of the diaphragm, often resembling a dome or "cupola." This occurs because free air in the peritoneal cavity rises to the highest point when the patient is in an upright position, which is beneath the central tendon of the diaphragm.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The presence of the cupola sign is a critical indicator of pneumoperitoneum, which often results from a perforation in the gastrointestinal tract. Common causes include perforated peptic ulcer, diverticulitis, or trauma. Prompt recognition of this sign is essential as pneumoperitoneum can lead to peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical intervention.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum using the cupola sign involves obtaining an upright chest X-ray. In some cases, additional imaging such as an abdominal X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan may be necessary to confirm the presence of free air and to identify the underlying cause of the perforation.

Management[edit]

Management of a patient with a positive cupola sign involves addressing the underlying cause of the pneumoperitoneum. This typically requires surgical intervention to repair the perforation. In addition, supportive care, including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain management, is crucial in stabilizing the patient.

See also[edit]