Impending cardiac herniation: the snow cone sign. Radiology 1986 Dec;161(3):653-5
Date
12/01/1986Pubmed ID
3786712DOI
10.1148/radiology.161.3.3786712Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0022974954 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 22 CitationsAbstract
Two cases of cardiac herniation and volvulus that occurred after right pneumonectomy are presented. Both asymptomatic patients demonstrated an unusual bulging contour to the right side of the heart on radiographs obtained in the recovery room, before complete herniation and volvulus occurred. In an autopsy preparation, a similar right contour was produced after partial cardiac herniation through a pericardial defect. The hemispheric contour from partial cardiac herniation resembles the shape of a snow cone. Clinical awareness of this sign of impending herniation is important, so risk factors known to produce herniation may be modified.
Author List
Gurney JW, Arnold S, Goodman LRMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultHeart Diseases
Hernia
Humans
Male
Pneumonectomy
Postoperative Complications
Radiography
