Aortopulmonary space

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On a lateral chest radiograph, the aortopulmonary space is normally seen as the "aortopulmonary window". Aortopulmonary window.jpg
On a lateral chest radiograph, the aortopulmonary space is normally seen as the "aortopulmonary window".

The aortopulmonary space, also known as aortopulmonary angle or aorto-pulmonary window, is a small space between the aortic arch and the pulmonary artery. It contains the ligamentum arteriosum, the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, lymph nodes, and fatty tissue. [1] The space is bounded anteriorly by the ascending aorta, posteriorly by the descending aorta, medially by the left main bronchus, and laterally by mediastinal pleura.

The presence of water radiodensity in this space on radiography may indicate a lymphadenopathy or neoplasm is occupying this space. [2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Dewey, Marc; Magid, Donna; Wheeler, Paul S.; Hamm, Bernd (2004). "Aortopulmonary Window or Angle on the Chest Radiograph?". American Journal of Roentgenology. 182 (4): 1085–1086. doi:10.2214/ajr.182.4.1821085. ISSN   0361-803X. PMID   15039195.
  2. Heitzman E, Lane E, Hammack D, Rimmler L (1975). "Radiological evaluation of the aortic-pulmonic window". Radiology. 116 (3): 513–8. doi:10.1148/116.3.513. PMID   1153753.