The “jellyfish sign” in lung ultrasound refers to a specific visual artifact indicating severe lung pathology, typically seen in cases of lobar collapse or consolidation. It describes the appearance of dynamic, floating structures within an anechoic (black) pleural effusion, resembling a jellyfish. These structures are the collapsed or consolidated lung parenchyma, moving with the patient’s respiration or cardiac activity, appearing to “swim” in the fluid.
This critical ultrasound finding helps differentiate between various causes of pleural effusion and guide immediate clinical management in medical and emergency settings. Recognizing the jellyfish sign is vital for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention, optimizing patient care in lung ultrasound examinations.
