Learning objectives
The objective of this work is to review the imaging findings of the numerous diverticular lesions localized inside the thorax,
classifying them according to their origin location.
We discuss their etiology and we also describe key findings for a correct differential diagnosis ( Fig.
1 ).
Background
Diverticula are defined as localized outpouchings of the wall of the involved organ.
They can represent true diverticula,
false diverticula or pitfalls.
Thoracic diverticular lesions are uncommon and have a broad spectrum of associated pathologies.
They can be found in multiples structures of the thorax and be associated with diseases,
produce or even be predictors of them.
Imaging techniques,
as CT or MR,
are key for the diagnosis and Radiologists play a pivotal role in the differential diagnosis and in the evaluation of possible complications.
Findings and procedure details
We classify diverticula by their localization inside the thorax:
Airway (tracheal and bronchial diverticulum).
Esophagus (Zenker and Killian diverticulum,
traction and epiphrenic diverticulum).
Cardiac (ventricular diverticula,
myocardial clefts and atrial diverticula).
Pericardium (pericardial diverticulum and pericardial cyst).
Vascular (Kommerell and ductus diverticulum).
Neural (radicular cyst and meningocele).
We review imaging findings and discuss potential pitfalls and differential diagnosis.
AIRWAY DIVERTICULA
TRACHEAL DIVERTICULA
Tracheal diverticula (TD) represent outpouchings that can be filled with air or mucus.
Congenital diverticulaare composed of muscle and cartilage and represent remnants...
Conclusion
Different entities can express themselves as thoracic diverticular images.
The knowledge of its morphology,
location and imaging findings help the Radiologist to differentiate between non pathological conditions and established diseases.
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