Steeple sign | |
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The steeple sign as seen on an anteroposterior neck X-ray of a child with croup | |
Differential diagnosis | Croup |
In radiology, the steeple sign is a radiologic sign found on a frontal neck radiograph where subglottic tracheal narrowing produces the shape of a church steeple within the trachea itself. [1] [2] The presence of the steeple sign supports a diagnosis of croup, usually caused by paramyxoviruses. [3] It can also be defined as the replacement of the usual squared-shoulder appearance of the subglottic area by cone-shaped narrowing just distal to the vocal cords. This is called the steeple or pencil-point sign.
Radiologic confirmation of proximal narrowing of the subglottic space can be obtained by an AP radiograph of the neck; typically, a "steeple sign" is noted referring to the similar appearance of a church steeple.
This type of narrowing is typically present in croup and is known as the steeple sign on the anteroposterior radiograph given its similarity to a church steeple.