November 24, 2008

Nipple Shadows?

Fig.1: Chest radiograph shows a suspicious nodule in the right lower lung. Fig.2: Repeat exam with nipple markers (arrowheads) confirmed the nodule to be a nipple shadow. Note that the left nipple shadow is visualized on this exam but not on the previous one performed on the same date.

Classic Nipple Shadows

  • Bilateral symmetric
  • Fuzzy margins with radiolucent halo, or sharp lateral but poorly defined medial margins
  • Characteristic location (fifth or sixth anterior ribs or near bottom of breast shadow)
  • Not present on a very recent film
  • Could be identified on lateral film
Problems
  • Nipple shadows can be seen in up to 10% of chest radiographs
  • Although most of these can be resolved as 'classic nipple shadows' and no further imaging is needed, about 1.4% need repeat examination
  • Repeat examinations are related to increased cost, time and burdensome to patients
Nipple Markers
  • A 1.5 mm lead shot that, given its size, should not obscure a true pulmonary nodule
  • Very helpful to determine whether the suspicious nodule is actually a nipple shadow, or not.
  • Chance of having a true pulmonary nodule lying beneath the nipple shadow is very slim
Reference:
Miller WT, et al. The troublesome nipple shadow. AJR 1985 (September)

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