Figure 3 sign (aortic coarctation)

Last revised by Matt A. Morgan on 22 Jan 2021

The figure 3 sign is seen in aortic coarctation and is formed by prestenotic dilatation of the aortic arch and left subclavian artery, indentation at the coarctation site (also known as the "tuck"), and post-stenotic dilatation of the descending aorta.

On barium studies of the esophagus in patients with aortic coarctation, a corresponding contour abnormality is demonstrated, referred to as the reverse figure 3 sign or E sign.

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