To review the radiological anatomy of the chest wall musculoskeletal structures using MRI and illustrations To describe the clinical and imaging features of the different traumatic and non-traumatic conditions involving the chest wall structures

Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) of the thorax has become an important tool in assessment of intrathoracic organs. These studies will additionally routinely image the chest wall structures. Radiologist should be familiar with the normal chest wall anatomy and with the most common conditions affecting this body segment, as many of these conditions might be detected incidentally. In addition, some inherited musculosketal conditions have a specific pattern of muscle involvement which can be assessed by MRI. This imaging technique is also a very useful tool when...

Chest wall anatomy The thoracic wall muscles can be divided into five groups based on anatomical location; anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial, deep chest wall and paravertebral muscles (Table 1). 1. Anterior Chest Wall Muscles The pectoralis muscles cover the anterior thoracic cage and form part of the anterior wall of the axilla (Fig 1). Pectoralis major is a large fan-shaped muscle, superficial to pectoralis minor (Fig 2). Its main function is to adduct the arm and rotate it medially. The clavicular fibers also assist to flex...

MR imaging of the thorax can be used to investigate and diagnose certain pathological conditions affecting the chest wall structures. Also, with the increasing use of MR imaging of the thorax to investigate the intrathoracic organs, many such lesions are being discovered as incidental findings. Familiarity with the anatomy and both normal and abnormal MR appearances of the chest wall musculature is essential for those radiologists who routinely interpret thoracic MR imaging.

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