Radiologic signs of weapons and munitions: How will noncombatants recognize them?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work was to show the radiologic signs named after weapons and munitions along with their military counterparts to help radiologists recognize these signs, which will allow confident interpretation and diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Numerous pathologic conditions have classic radiologic manifestations that resemble weapons and ammunition. Most of these signs are highly memorable and easy to recognize. However, the names of the weapons (some of them antique and some not commonly known) may confuse radiologists who are not familiar with the appearance of such weapons as the scimitar, bayonet, or dagger. The value of the signs is reduced if the radiologist is unfamiliar with the appearance of the corresponding weapon.