Imaging of Retrosternal Space Lesions - A Pictorial Review

Pol J Radiol. 2016 Jul 16:81:331-7. doi: 10.12659/PJR.896744. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

The retrosternal region (RSS) can be involved by diverse lesions. The RSS is the region behind the sternum and anterior to the ascending aorta. It normally is less than 3 cm deep. Chest X-ray is usually the first imaging modality to raise a suspicion of RSS pathology; however computed tomography is the mainstay to delineate and characterize lesions in this location. Lesions in this location include thyroid, thymic and lymph node lesions; germ cell tumors and vascular lesions. Lesions arising from the sternum, lungs as well as the pleura can also involve this space. The pictorial review depicts the diverse spectrum of lesions in this location.

Keywords: Sternum; Thorax; Tomography, Emission-Computed.

Publication types

  • Review