Learning objectives
- To recall the location and anatomical limits of the supraclavicular fossa (SCF).
- To specify the structures included in this region,
considering the differences between the left and right SCF.
- To illustrate the main pathologies in SCF and the respective imaging findings in different modalities.
Background
The appearance of the supraclavicular fossa (SCF) is quite variable and the presence of a radiographically visible fossa (Fig. 1) depends upon the patient’s body habitus and weight,
as well as the position of the shoulders.
The depth of the fossa is extremely variable.
The SCF is most likely to be present in thin patients or with the shoulders elevated.
Normal Anatomy:
The SCF is a superiorly concave space located at the base of the neck,
immediately above and posterior to the clavicle,
being a...
Findings and procedure details
The approach to a patient with a mass in SCF requires a thorough knowledge of their anatomy,
the pathologies that may arise there and their demographic specifications.
Due to its complex constitution,
the detection of a SCF lesion of unknown etiology requires adequate clinical,
laboratorial and imaging correlations in order to reduce the differential diagnosis.
The most frequent cause of SCF lesions are lymphadenomegaly,
of inflammatory (Fig. 5andFig. 6) or neoplastic etiology.
However,
the differential diagnosis of a SCF lesion or mass should also include...
Conclusion
The SCF continues to be a grey area in Radiology,
because of its transitional location between the neck and the trunk and the multiplicity of structures and pathologies it can encompass.
Patients may look for medical attention only when a SCF lesion is palpable.
It can represent,
more often,
a manifestation of a diffuse multimetastatic disease,
an isolated metastasis or,
less usual,
a benign condition.
Therefore,
it’s extremely important for a Radiologist to know the anatomy of this zone and the main changes that may...
References
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The Supraclavicular Fossa.
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