Upturned Moustache sign or Antler sign is seen in
**Question:** Upturned Moustache sign or Antler sign is seen in
A. Pulmonary Tuberculosis
B. Tuberculosis of the Liver
C. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
D. Tuberculosis of the Spine
**Core Concept:**
The Upturned Moustache sign or Antler sign is a clinical sign that is associated with certain medical conditions, particularly those involving the mediastinum or chest wall. It is characterized by a "moustache-like" or "antler-like" pattern of skin indentations and subcutaneous emphysema seen in the neck and chest area. This sign indicates the presence of an emphysematous collection behind the sternum, which could be due to various conditions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
The Upturned Moustache sign is most commonly associated with Tuberculosis (TB) involving the spine, particularly the anterior mediastinum. The indentations and subcutaneous emphysema result from the gas pockets formed due to the destruction of the affected vertebral bodies and the adjacent soft tissues by the granulomas formed during TB infection.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Pulmonary Tuberculosis: While pulmonary TB can cause pleural effusion and other respiratory symptoms, it typically does not result in the Upturned Moustache sign, which is more commonly associated with mediastinal TB.
B. Tuberculosis of the Liver: TB affecting the liver is less likely to present with the Upturned Moustache sign, as liver TB primarily causes hepatomegaly and ascites rather than mediastinal involvement.
C. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Upturned Moustache sign is not specific to inflammatory bowel disease and is not a common presentation of this condition.
D. Tuberculosis of the Spine: The correct answer, Tuberculosis of the spine (TB spine), is the most likely cause of the Upturned Moustache sign, as it leads to the indentations and subcutaneous emphysema mentioned above.
**Clinical Pearl:**
The Upturned Moustache sign is a clinical sign that helps in suggesting the presence of a mediastinal mass, most commonly due to Tuberculosis of the spine. It is essential for medical professionals to be familiar with this sign as it can assist in narrowing down the differential diagnosis and guide further investigations and management.