Croup

Case contributed by J Yeung
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Shortness of breath and noisy breathing.

Patient Data

Age: Child

Chest

x-ray

Frontal view shows narrowing of the upper trachea, known as steeple sign. 

Lateral view shows hypopharynx distension and subglottic narrowing.

Findings of croup. 

Case Discussion

Acute laryngotracheobronchitis, also named croup, is due to parainfluenza virus infection. It usually affects children of 2-3 years old. Patients usually present with stridor.

Typical x-ray findings included steeple sign, causing narrowing below the lower margins of pyriform sinus, seen on frontal projections.

Narrowing of the upper trachea and distension of the hypopharynx are seen on lateral neck projections.

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