Diagnostic finding

Thumbprint sign

A radiologic sign characterized by rounded, thumb-like soft-tissue projections caused by markedly thickened, edematous mucosal folds.

Causes

  • Gastrointestinal causes

    • Severe colitis

    • Ulcerative colitis flare

    • Infectious colitis

    • Ischemic colitis

    • Crohn’s disease

    • Intestinal ischemia/infarction

  • Acute epiglottitis (swollen epiglottis “thumb sign” on lateral neck radiograph)

Also known as: Thumb sign, Thumbprinting

Referencing diagnoses

Note: Lists existing diagnoses in Diagnotize only.