🫁 Steeple Sign X-Ray Pattern Simulator

AP Neck Radiograph Positioning

Placeholder: proper alignment for airway soft-tissue imaging.

• AP soft tissue: View type (Placeholder caption)
• Neutral/extension: Neck position (Placeholder caption)
• Low kVp: Exposure (Placeholder caption)
• Subglottis: Key structure (Placeholder caption)

Positioning technique

Placeholder: short note on AP neck film setup.

Subglottic Steeple Sign Formation

Placeholder: tapering airway column mimics a church steeple.

• Steeple sign: Sign name (Placeholder caption)
• Subglottic trachea: Location (Placeholder caption)
• Mucosal edema: Cause (Placeholder caption)
• Tapered point: Shape (Placeholder caption)

Pathophysiology of narrowing

Placeholder: subglottic edema narrows the airway column.

Radiographic Confirmation of Croup

Placeholder: steeple sign supports clinical croup diagnosis.

• ~50%: Sensitivity (Placeholder caption)
• High: Specificity (Placeholder caption)
• 6mo–3yr: Typical age (Placeholder caption)
• Self-limited: Course (Placeholder caption)

Imaging role in croup

Placeholder: X-ray supports but does not replace clinical exam.

Thumb Sign in Epiglottitis

Placeholder: swollen epiglottis appears as a rounded thumb shape.

• Thumb sign: Sign name (Placeholder caption)
• Supraglottic: Location (Placeholder caption)
• Epiglottis edema: Cause (Placeholder caption)
• Emergency: Urgency (Placeholder caption)

Differentiating patterns

Placeholder: thumb sign contrasts sharply with steeple sign.

Clinical Judgment Over Imaging

Placeholder: never delay airway management to obtain imaging.

• Airway first: Priority (Placeholder caption)
• Adjunct only: Imaging role (Placeholder caption)
• No X-ray: Unstable patient (Placeholder caption)
• ENT/anesthesia: Team approach (Placeholder caption)

Safety principle

Placeholder: clinical stability guides imaging decisions.

Placeholder: unstable airway patients bypass radiography entirely.