CT of the pretracheal retrocaval space

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_7F647600E2FC
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Publication sub-type
Case report (case report): feedback on an observation with a short commentary.
Collection
Publications
Title
CT of the pretracheal retrocaval space
Journal
AJR: American Journal of Roentgenology
Author(s)
Schnyder  P. A., Gamsu  G.
ISSN
0361-803X (Print)
Publication state
Published
Issued date
02/1981
Volume
136
Number
2
Pages
303-8
Notes
Case Reports
Comparative Study
Journal Article --- Old month value: Feb
Abstract
The ability of computed tomography to visualize the normal pretracheal retrocaval (PTRC) space and its contents, at the level of the azygous arch, was investigated in 127 normal subjects. The scan level which shows the azygous vein entering the posterior aspect of the superior vena cava was analyzed. The perimeter of the PTRC space could be accurately delineated by following the trachea, azygous arch, superior vena cava, and aorta. The size, density, and contents of the PTRC space were measured. The surface area of the PTRC space increases significantly with the degree of mediastinal adiposity (p less than 0.0001), age (p less than 0.0001), and aortic unfolding (p less than 0.001). The mean density of the PTRC space was negative in the majority of subjects but varied from -107 to +48 H. Normal lymph nodes (azygous nodes) were detected in 88.1% of subjects. More than one lymph node was present in 29.9% of subjects. Three nodes were visible in each of nine subjects. There were 160 lymph nodes with a diameter of 5.5 +/- 2.8 mm visable in the 127 subjects. Eleven nodes were larger than 10 mm. Normal azygous lymph nodes can be visualized and subtle enlargement of these nodes detected.
Keywords
Adipose Tissue/anatomy & histology/radiography Adult Aged Aorta, Thoracic/anatomy & histology/radiography Azygos Vein/anatomy & histology/radiography Female Humans Lymph Nodes/anatomy & histology/radiography Male Mediastinum/*anatomy & histology/radiography Middle Aged Statistics *Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
25/01/2008 9:24
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:40
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