Galaxy Sign: A Sign Among Others of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Received: 01-Jun-2021 / Accepted Date: 09-Jun-2021 / Published Date: 15-Jun-2021 DOI: 10.4172/2167-7964.1000331
Abstract
Galaxy sign is a metaphor of medical imaging corresponding to to an irregularly marginated pulmonary nodule formed by the confluence of several small nodules that are less concentrated in the periphery. It was first described in sarcoidosis, but it can also be seen in tuberculosis, silicosis, progressive massive fibrosis without forgetting malignant causes.
Keywords: Galaxy sign, sarcoidosis, CT scan
Text
The galaxy sign correspond to an irregularly marginated pulmonary nodule formed by the confluence of several small nodules that are less concentrated in the periphery resulting in irregular borders and multiple small satellite nodules [1,2]. This appearance resembles that of a galaxy hence the name. The average size of the nodules is 1 to 2 cm, but can be larger [2](Figure 1).
Figure 1: Thoracic computed tomography (A, B) show a central nodule with other marginalized peripheral smaller nodules (arrows), consistent with the galaxy sign and resembling to a galaxy (C).
The galaxy sign was first described by Nakatsu et al. in 16 of 59 patients (27%) with histologically confirmed sarcoidosis in 2002 [1,3] However, pulmonary sarcoidosis is well known for diverse radiological manifestations.
Currently, the galaxy sign is considered less specific as a unique element. The galaxy sign may also be seen in active tuberculosis [1-3] It can also be confused radio logically with lung cancer and progressive massive fibrosis [1-3].
References
- Aikins A, Kanne JP, Chung JH (2012) Galaxy sign. J Thorac Imaging 27( 6):W164.
- Dres Rodrigo Araya R, Gonzalo Pérez, Devis Castro C, Felipe Sánchez T, Juan Carlos DÃaz P, et al. (2014) Revista Chilena de RadiologÃa 20(3):113.
- Koide T, Saraya T, Tsukahara Y, Bonella F, Boerner EB, et al. (2016) Clinical significance of the “galaxy sign†in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis in a Japanese single-centre cohort. Sarcoidosis. Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis Off J WASOG World Assoc Sarcoidosis Granulomatous Disord 7( 33):247-252.
Citation: Sahli H, Amalik S, Retal H, Jerguigue H, Latib R, et al. (2021) Galaxy Sign: A Sign Among Others of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis. OMICS J Radiol 10: 331. DOI: 10.4172/2167-7964.1000331
Copyright: © 2021 Sahli H, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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