Golden S-sign (lung lobe collapse)

Last revised by Rohit Sharma ◉ on 10 Mar 2023

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Gaillard F, Sharma R, Rasuli B, et al. Golden S-sign (lung lobe collapse). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 28 Sep 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-1394

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-1394

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/1394

rID:

1394

Article created:

2 May 2008, Frank Gaillard ◉ ◈

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Frank Gaillard had no recorded disclosures.

View Frank Gaillard's current disclosures

Last revised:

10 Mar 2023, Rohit Sharma ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Rohit Sharma had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.

View Rohit Sharma's current disclosures

Revisions:

39 times, by 14 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Chest

Sections:

Signs

Tags:

chest

Synonyms:

Reverse S-sign of Golden
S sign of Golden
Reverse S sign of Golden
S-sign of Golden
Golden S sign

The Golden S-sign is seen on both PA chest radiographs and on CT scans. It is named because this sign resembles a reverse S shape, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the reverse S-sign of Golden.

Although typically seen with right upper lobe collapse, the S-sign can also be seen with the collapse of other lobes. It is created by a central mass obstructing the upper lobe bronchus and should raise suspicion of a primary bronchogenic carcinoma. It can also be caused by other central masses, such as metastasis, primary mediastinal tumor, or enlarged lymph nodes.

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

The Golden S-sign is seen on frontal chest radiographs. In the most common situation, the appearance is that of right upper lobar collapse (the right upper lobe appearing dense and shifting medially and upwards) with a central mass expanding the hilum. These two changes together form a reverse S-shape.