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The left paratracheal reflection
A V Proto1, H L Corcoran, J B Ball
1Department of Radiology, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, Richmond 23298.
Radiology
|June 1, 1989
Summary
The left paratracheal reflection, a finding on chest X-rays, is often caused by lung contact with mediastinal fat. Advanced imaging like CT scans clarifies its anatomical basis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Thoracic Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- The left paratracheal reflection is an anatomical landmark on chest radiographs.
- Its precise nature and common causes are not always well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical basis of the left paratracheal reflection.
- To determine the frequency of its visibility on different imaging modalities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 302 normal posteroanterior (PA) chest radiographs.
- Review of 93 conventional chest tomograms.
- Examination of 113 thoracic computed tomographic (CT) scans.
Main Results:
- The left paratracheal reflection was visible in 31% of normal PA chest radiographs.
- Conventional tomography and CT revealed it results from lung-mediastinum contact anterior to the left subclavian artery.
- CT scans showed it represents lung contact with mediastinal fat (94%), left common carotid artery (5%), or left tracheal wall (1%).
Conclusions:
- The left paratracheal reflection is primarily formed by the lung's contact with mediastinal fat.
- Understanding the anatomical structures contributing to this finding is crucial for accurate interpretation of thoracic imaging.