Dense hilum sign

Last revised by Mostafa Elfeky on 10 Jun 2023

The dense hilum sign suggests a pathological process at the hilum or in the lung anterior or posterior to the hilum. Malignancy, especially lung cancer, should be suspected.

Radiographic features

On a well-centered chest posteroanterior (PA) radiograph the density of the hilum is comparable on both sides. In the absence of calcification or lymphadenopathy, the hila should appear of equal density and be symmetric. The hilum overlay sign may be absent.

See also

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