Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy Presenting With the "Medu Vada Sign"

The "Medu Vada" (or "doughnut") sign is a compelling radiological finding often noted on axial chest CT scans, characterized by a circular or ring-like appearance. This distinct morphology arises from enlarged mediastinal adenopathy, specifically involving lymph nodes such as those in the subcarinal or right paratracheal areas, which encircle the adjacent airway or esophagus. We report the case of a 55-year-old female who presented with a constellation of non-specific constitutional symptoms, including chronic cough, significant weight loss, diminished appetite, and recurrent evening fevers. Diagnostic imaging revealed extensive mediastinal adenopathy that bore a striking resemblance to the classic "Medu Vada" configuration. Subsequent investigations confirmed a diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this specific imaging pattern, which we propose to formally name the "Medu Vada sign," as it can serve as a valuable clue in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal pathology, particularly in areas where tuberculosis is endemic.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-06-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.86939
Primary Topic
Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis
Type
article
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article

Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy Presenting With the "Medu Vada Sign"

Sadhana Ravikumar, Praveen Radhakrishnan, Yuvarajan Sivagnaname, Navya Cherukkumalli
Cureus
Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis
article

Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy Presenting With the "Medu Vada Sign"

Sadhana Ravikumar, Praveen Radhakrishnan, Yuvarajan Sivagnaname, Navya Cherukkumalli
article en

Abstract

The "Medu Vada" (or "doughnut") sign is a compelling radiological finding often noted on axial chest CT scans, characterized by a circular or ring-like appearance. This distinct morphology arises from enlarged mediastinal adenopathy, specifically involving lymph nodes such as those in the subcarinal or right paratracheal areas, which encircle the adjacent airway or esophagus. We report the case of a 55-year-old female who presented with a constellation of non-specific constitutional symptoms, including chronic cough, significant weight loss, diminished appetite, and recurrent evening fevers. Diagnostic imaging revealed extensive mediastinal adenopathy that bore a striking resemblance to the classic "Medu Vada" configuration. Subsequent investigations confirmed a diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this specific imaging pattern, which we propose to formally name the "Medu Vada sign," as it can serve as a valuable clue in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal pathology, particularly in areas where tuberculosis is endemic.

CureusVol. 17(6)
Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (IN), Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital (IN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 74%
Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis
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Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy Presenting With the "Medu Vada Sign" — Sadhana Ravikumar, Praveen Radhakrishnan, et al. · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS