Overlapping of the cranial bones associated with fetal demise is known as which sign?

Overlapping of the cranial bones associated with fetal demise is known as which sign?

• A. spalding sign
• B. lemon sign
• C. banana sign
• D. cupping sign

Answer: (A)

Spalding sign describes overlapping of the cranial bones seen with intrauterine fetal demise. After death, the skull sutures relax and the calvarial bones can overlap at the sutures, giving a characteristic appearance on imaging. This sign specifically points to fetal demise rather than a congenital skull contour abnormality. In contrast, the lemon sign and banana sign relate to neural tube defects and posterior fossa anomalies, respectively, and cupping sign refers to a different skull contour finding not tied to fetal death.

Spalding sign describes overlapping of the cranial bones seen with intrauterine fetal demise. After death, the skull sutures relax and the calvarial bones can overlap at the sutures, giving a characteristic appearance on imaging. This sign specifically points to fetal demise rather than a congenital skull contour abnormality. In contrast, the lemon sign and banana sign relate to neural tube defects and posterior fossa anomalies, respectively, and cupping sign refers to a different skull contour finding not tied to fetal death.