What causes Hilum convergence sign in the lungs on chest radiograph?
Let me know in the comments.
.
.
.
.
.
Click to reveal the answer
Answer:
Hilum convergence sign indicates pulmonary artery dilatation rather than hilar mass or nodal enlargement, seen when pulmonary vessels converge toward the lateral margin of the hilar opacity. It is associated with conditions causing pulmonary hypertension such as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, or left-to-right shunts.
Why is it called so?:
The sign is named for the radial convergence of normal pulmonary artery branches toward the enlarged pulmonary artery at the hilum, mimicking a focal point of vessel ingathering on chest radiograph.
Pathophysiology
Pulmonary hypertension leads to dilatation of the main and proximal pulmonary arteries, enlarging the hilar shadow while preserving the normal branching pattern of pulmonary vessels that radiate outward from the central artery, distinguishing vascular etiology from mass effect where vessels converge toward the heart waist instead.
Access all radiology signs posted so far: https://radiogyan.com/radiology-signs/
Improve Content And Help Your Colleagues!
Found an error in the post? Please let us know using our contact page and we will update it with due credits!
If you wish to contribute radiological images for this case (or any other article on the website), you can submit them here and you will be duly credited: Submit radiology case