CT of interpectoral lymph nodes.

Area of Science:

• Anatomic and surgical imaging.
• Thoracic imaging and diagnostics.

Background:

• Rotter's nodes, located between the pectoralis major and minor muscles, are documented in anatomical and surgical texts.
• The precise appearance and prevalence of these nodes on chest CT scans require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the imaging characteristics of the interpectoral space and Rotter's nodes on chest CT scans.
• To differentiate potential interpectoral structures (vessels vs. nodes) in patients without known lymphadenopathy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of chest CT scans from 25 patients without chest wall abnormalities or lymphadenopathy.
• Review of CT scans from six patients with confirmed interpectoral adenopathy due to breast cancer metastases.

Main Results:

• In asymptomatic patients, small interpectoral structures, possibly vessels or nodes, were detected on CT.
• In patients with metastatic breast cancer, interpectoral nodes appeared as oval soft-tissue densities, measuring 1.5 x 1 cm to 3.5 x 3 cm.

Conclusions:

• Chest CT can visualize interpectoral structures, including Rotter's nodes.
• Understanding the appearance of interpectoral nodes is crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially in the context of metastatic disease.