What sign is associated with tracheal narrowing and subglottic narrowing on an x-ray?

The steeple sign is associated with tracheal narrowing and subglottic narrowing, particularly in the context of croup or viral laryngotracheobronchitis. On an X-ray, this sign appears as a narrowing of the airway in the upper respiratory tract, which resembles the steeple or spire of a church. This finding is significant as it helps in diagnosing conditions leading to upper airway obstruction, primarily in pediatric patients.

In contrast, other signs refer to different anatomical issues or conditions. For example, the thumb sign indicates swelling of the epiglottis, typically observed in epiglottitis, while the picket fence sign is associated with specific patterns of pleural effusion. The hourglass sign usually denotes a specific type of intraluminal obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding the steeple sign is critical for accurately diagnosing and managing conditions that cause airway obstruction due to localized narrowing in the trachea and subglottic region.