Ginkgo leaf sign of subcutaneous emphysema

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Recent thoracic surgery.

Patient Data

Age: 65
Gender: Female

Right anterior chest wall subcutaneous emphysema outlining the pectoralis major muscle.

Increased opacity at the right base with a small right pleural effusion. No pneumothorax is identified but not excluded. Left lung and pleural spaces are clear. 

Case Discussion

When subcutaneous emphysema has this pattern, outlining the pectoralis major muscle, it is sometimes called the ginkgo leaf sign

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