The anterior junction line: a radiographic sign of bilateral pneumothorax in neonates.
Publication/Presentation Date
6-1-1988
Abstract
The anterior junction line is a normal anatomic landmark on chest radiographs of healthy adults and older children caused by the visceral and parietal pleurae of the two lungs meeting anteriorly at the midline. It is not seen on chest radiographs of healthy infants. When this sign is identified on the supine frontal view of a neonate, it signifies bilateral pneumothorax. In this situation the line is formed by the meeting of the medial parietal pleurae on each side as they herniate anteriorly in front of the thymus and heart. The sign is best seen when the patient is rotated slightly to the left. It is not seen when there is unilateral pneumothorax or a concomitant pneumomediastinum. Although the anterior junction line is not a highly sensitive indicator of bilateral pneumothorax, it is highly specific and its recognition can promote faster diagnosis.
Volume
167
Issue
3
First Page
717
Last Page
719
ISSN
0033-8419
Published In/Presented At
Markowitz R. I. (1988). The anterior junction line: a radiographic sign of bilateral pneumothorax in neonates. Radiology, 167(3), 717–719. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.167.3.3363127
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
PubMedID
3363127
Department(s)
Department of Pediatrics
Document Type
Article