Rigler notch sign (lungs)

Last revised by Frank Gaillard on 25 Apr 2019

The Rigler notch sign refers to an indentation in the border of a solid lung mass, which is thought to represents a feeding vessel, thus suggesting the presence of a bronchial carcinoma 1. However, this sign is also observed in other conditions, including granulomatous infections, and its differentiating utility is therefore limited.

History and etymology

It is named after Leo George Rigler (1896-1979), American radiologist 2.

Practical points

The Rigler notch sign should not be confused with the Rigler sign on an abdominal radiograph, which is indicative of a pneumoperitoneum, or Rigler triad or Hoffman-Rigler sign.

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