Presentation
Cough and SOB.
Patient Data
Ill-defined retrocardiac opacification in the left middle and lower zones on the frontal projection that causes loss of the normal descending aorta contour (silhouette sign). The left diaphragm and left heart borders remain visible. The lateral projection confirms more well defined rounded consolidation in the superior segment of the LLL.
Case Discussion
The patient was treated with antibiotics and a repeat CXR 3 weeks later (not available) showed complete resolution of the LLL consolidation.
This is a nice example of subtle consolidation causing a silhouette sign with the descending aorta.