retrocrural space
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Introduction
Most inferior portion of the posterior mediastinum bordered by the 2 diaphragmatic crura. Normal structures within the retrocrural region include:
- aorta
- nerves
- azygos vein
- hemiazygos vein
- cisterna chyli with the thoracic duct
- fat
- lymph nodes
There is a wide range of normal variants of structures within the retrocrural space.
Pathology
- benign tumors
- malignant tumors
- vascular abnormalities
- aortic aneurysm
- hematoma
- azygos vein & hemiazygos vein continuation of the inferior vena cava
- abscesses
More general terms
References
- ↑ Restrepo, CS et al, The diaphragmatic crura and retrocrural space: Normal image appearance, variants and phatologic conditions. Radiographics 2008, 28:1289 PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18794306