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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Multi-modal Pulmonary Imaging: Using Complementary Information from CT and Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI to Evaluate Lung Structure-Function
Published on: April 12, 2024
The CT Quadrate lobe hot spot sign
Vivek Virmani1, Anupam Lal, Chirag K Ahuja
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Chandigarh,1316, Carling Av., Ottawa, Canada. drvivekvirmani@rediffmail.com
Intense quadrate lobe enhancement on CT scans can indicate superior vena cava syndrome. This imaging sign, seen in a lymphoma case, highlights the syndrome
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical condition caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating SVCS.
- Lymphoma is a potential cause of SVCS.
Observation:
- A specific imaging finding of intense enhancement of the quadrate lobe in the arterial phase on CT was observed.
- This enhancement pattern is associated with superior vena cava syndrome.
Findings:
- The study presents a case of lymphoma causing SVCS with this characteristic quadrate lobe enhancement.
- The physiological basis for this intense enhancement in the quadrate lobe during the arterial phase in SVCS is discussed.
Implications:
- This imaging sign can aid in the early detection and diagnosis of SVCS.
- Understanding this finding is important for radiologists and oncologists in managing patients with SVCS.
- Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical utility of this sign.
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