Fundamental Radiological Findings: Deep Sulcus Sign

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to covering the important radiological finding of a deep sulcus sign

WHAT IS IT?

A deep sulcus sign refers to a finding on chest X-ray where the costophrenic angle is deepened most often due to the presence of air in the pleural space. 

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS FINDING

When seeing a deep sulcus sign, it is important to keep in mind the following possible causes of this finding:

  • Pneumothoraxmost often this sign will be the result of a pneumothorax. It may sometimes be the only sign present (especially on a supine film). 
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)this condition may sometimes exhibited this sign because of hyperaration of the lungs.  
KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHARACTERIZING THE FINDING

When seeing a deep sulcus sign, there are a few important radiological features one should look at to try and characterize the finding. These features can help navigate the differential diagnosis above.

 

Page Updated: 03.01.2017