bird's beak sign
Angiographic appearance of abrupt vessel tapering resembling a bird's beak, indicating severe stenosis or occlusion.
Full Definition
The bird's beak sign is a characteristic angiographic finding that describes the abrupt tapering of a blood vessel, creating an appearance reminiscent of a bird's beak. This sign typically indicates severe stenosis or complete occlusion of the vessel, often seen in chronic total occlusions or severe atherosclerotic disease. The proximal vessel appears normal caliber but then tapers sharply to a point where flow ceases or becomes severely restricted. Recognition of this sign is important for procedural planning and determining the likelihood of successful recanalization.
Usage
Usage note: Use apostrophe in bird's; avoid confusion with other angiographic signs of occlusion.
In Context
- "Angiography revealed a bird's beak sign at the mid-LAD consistent with chronic total occlusion." — Angiographic report
- "The bird's beak appearance suggested a higher probability of successful wire crossing." — Procedural planning note