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Difficulty: MediumInterpreting Imaging Results

Match the following classic radiographic findings with their corresponding underlying clinical conditions.

  • "Deep sulcus sign" on a supine anteroposterior chest radiographPneumothorax
  • "Signet ring sign" on a high-resolution chest computed tomography scanBronchiectasis
  • "Coffee bean sign" on a plain abdominal radiographSigmoid volvulus
  • "Lead pipe" appearance on a barium enemaUlcerative colitis

Answer

The correct matches are: 'Deep sulcus sign' with Pneumothorax, 'Signet ring sign' with Bronchiectasis, 'Coffee bean sign' with Sigmoid volvulus, and 'Lead pipe' appearance with Ulcerative colitis.
Each of the presented radiographic signs has a well-established association with a specific underlying disease. The 'deep sulcus sign' on a supine chest radiograph indicates a pneumothorax, as air collects anterobasally. The 'signet ring sign' on high-resolution chest CT indicates bronchiectasis, representing a dilated bronchus next to its pulmonary artery. The 'coffee bean sign' on an abdominal radiograph is diagnostic of sigmoid volvulus. Finally, the 'lead pipe' colon on a barium enema represents the chronic loss of haustra characteristic of ulcerative colitis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the condition associated with the 'deep sulcus sign'.
Matches with Pneumothorax.
Air accumulation in the non-dependent anterobasal pleural space in a supine patient deepens the costophrenic angle.
2
Identify the condition associated with the 'signet ring sign'.
Matches with Bronchiectasis.
A bronchus dilated larger than its accompanying artery on a cross-sectional image is indicative of bronchiectasis.
3
Identify the condition associated with the 'coffee bean sign'.
Matches with Sigmoid volvulus.
A twisted, massively dilated loop of sigmoid colon projects out of the pelvis, mimicking the shape of a coffee bean.
4
Identify the condition associated with the 'lead pipe' appearance.
Matches with Ulcerative colitis.
Chronic mucosal inflammation leads to loss of haustra and a rigid, featureless colonic contour.

Key Concept

Recognition of specific, named radiographic signs allows for the rapid identification of underlying pathognomonic thoracic and gastrointestinal conditions.
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Interpreting Imaging Results

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