Steeple sign seen on posteroanterior view of neck in a child with stridor is indicative of:
First, the core concept here is the imaging finding in pediatric airway diseases. The steeple sign refers to the narrowing of the subglottic trachea, which appears as a triangular shape on an X-ray. This is a classic sign of croup.
Why is option C correct? Croup is caused by viral infection, usually parainfluenza, leading to inflammation in the subglottic area. The edema causes the characteristic steeple shape. Stridor is a common symptom here due to the narrowed airway.
Now, the other options. Option A might be epiglottitis. But epiglottitis shows a thumbprint sign, not steeple. Option B could be foreign body aspiration, which might cause unilateral hyperlucency or atelectasis but not steeple. Option D, maybe laryngeal papillomatosis, which is a mass lesion and doesn't present with steeple sign.
Clinical pearl: Remember that steeple sign is croup, thumbprint is epiglottitis. Both need urgent management but different approaches. Croup is typically managed with steroids and racemic epinephrine, while epiglottitis requires immediate intubation or airway management.
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**Core Concept**
The "steeple sign" is a radiological hallmark of subglottic narrowing on a lateral neck X-ray, caused by inflammation in the laryngotracheal region. It is most commonly associated with viral croup (laryngotracheitis) in pediatric patients presenting with stridor.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Croup, caused by parainfluenza virus, leads to subglottic edema due to viral-induced inflammation. This narrows the trachea, creating the characteristic "steeple" or "pencil-point" appearance on imaging. Stridor arises from turbulent airflow through the obstructed subglottic airway. The sign is pathognomonic for croup in the appropriate clinical context.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Epiglottitis presents with a "thumbprint" sign (enlarged epiglottis), not a steeple sign.
**Option B:** Foreign body aspiration may cause localized hyperlucency or atelectasis but does not produce the steeple sign.
**Option D:** Laryngeal papillomatosis (HPV-related tumors) causes irregular mass-like lesions, not subglottic narrowing.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Differentiate croup (steeple sign) from epiglottitis (thumbprint sign) using lateral neck X-ray. Croup is typically managed with corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone), while epiglottitis requires immediate airway securing due to rapid progression.
**Correct Answer: C. Laryngotr