Dagger Sign
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Atlas of Signs in Musculoskeletal Radiology is approved by the ARRS (American Roentgen Ray Society) and is included in AJR Webreview
A. Gentili,MD, M. Beller, MD, S. Masih, MD, L.L. Seeger, MD

Diagnosis:

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Discussion:

Single frontal radiograph of the lumbar spine in a patient with bony fusion of the adjacent lumbar vertebrae with syndesmophyte formation, characteristic for ankylosing spondylitis. In addition, there is a linear increased density running along the spinous processes. The dagger sign is a single central radiodense line on frontal radiographs related to ossification of supraspinous and interspinous ligaments.


AP Spine - Click on the image for a larger version

References:

bulletResnick D, Niwayama G.: Ankylosing Spondylitis. Resnick D. Bone and Joint Imaging, 1st Edition, Phyladelphia, Resnick D. W.B. Saunders 1989:299-319.

 

 

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Atlas of Signs in Musculoskeletal Radiology is approved by the ARRS (American Roentgen Ray Society) and is included in AJR Webreview
A. Gentili,MD, M. Beller, MD, S. Masih, MD, L.L. Seeger, MD