Open AccessCharacteristic thumb sign in epiglottitis
Author(s) -
B.N. Chander,
Tamir Chandra,
M. Kavya,
K.K. Sravanthi
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of medical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2395-7565
DOI - 10.31254/jmr.2015.1202
Subject(s) - epiglottis , medicine , radiography , anatomy , hyoid bone , thickening , epiglottitis , laryngoscopy , sign (mathematics) , pharynx , larynx , radiology , intubation , surgery , mathematics , materials science , polymer science , mathematical analysis
Thumb sign is detected in simple lateral neck radiograph (preferably in upright view with neck in extension). Diagnosis can be confirmed by direct examination of pharynx, which reveal swollen epiglottis and can be confirmed by direct naso-pharyngo-laryngoscope. However this should be performed in an operating room where facilities to secure air way are available. Diagnostic investigations like CT can reveal other findings like thickening of epiglottis, thickening of ari-epiglottic fold and prevertebral fascia. Suspicion of an abscess may be deduced from evidence of multiloculated density collections in the neck.