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CT demonstration of the phrenic nerve.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|June 1, 1983
Summary
High-resolution computed tomography (CT) can detect the phrenic nerve in patients undergoing lung evaluations. This imaging technique identified the phrenic nerve in 13 of 24 patients, aiding in pulmonary metastasis assessments.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The phrenic nerve's visualization on imaging is crucial for anatomical assessment.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a key modality for evaluating thoracic structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the detectability of the phrenic nerve using high-resolution whole lung CT.
- To establish criteria for identifying the phrenic nerve on CT scans.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four consecutive patients underwent whole lung CT with a high-resolution scanner.
- The phrenic nerve was defined as a 1-3 mm structure adjacent to the pericardium on at least two contiguous sections.
Main Results:
- The phrenic nerve was identified in 13 out of 24 patients (54%).
- The nerve was visualized on the left in 11 patients, right in one, and bilaterally in one.
- Detected nerves included eight children and five adults.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution whole lung CT is effective for demonstrating the phrenic nerve.
- Recognizing the normal course of the phrenic nerve on CT is important for patients evaluated for pulmonary metastases.