Which among the following causes 'thumb sign' on an X-ray lateral view of the neck?
Thumb sign is typically seen in acute epiglottitis due to swollen epiglottis. It is better appreciated in lateral view of neck. Normally, the epiglottis is quite thin in the anteroposterior (AP) dimension, resembling a little finger, whereas the abnormal, inflamed epiglottis appears shoer and has an increased AP dimension, resembling a thumb. Acute epiglottitis is usually caused by infection with H influenzae type B.
Acute epiglottitis
Acute laryngo trachea bronchitis
Acute tonsillitis
Acute laryngitis