Left-Sided Cisterna Chyli: a Case Report on a Rare Normal Anatomic Structure
10.13104/imri.2019.23.3.276
- Author:
Jin Ho SEO
1
;
Jeong Ah HWANG
;
Hyeong Cheol SHIN
;
Seung Soo KIM
;
Chan Ho PARK
;
Hyoung Nam LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, Korea. jeongah.h09@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Cisterna chyli;
Thoracic duct;
Lymphatic abnormalities
- MeSH:
Abscess;
Aorta;
Cholangiocarcinoma;
Hematoma;
Lymphatic Abnormalities;
Lymphatic Diseases;
Thoracic Duct
- From:Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
2019;23(3):276-278
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The cisterna chyli, a dilated lymphatic sac in the retrocrural space, is usually located to the right of the aorta. We report a case of a left-sided cisterna chyli, which was incidentally detected on the radiologic examinations of a preoperative workup for cholangiocarcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images revealed a cisterna chyli measuring 2.5 cm in length in the left retrocrural space. The dilated lumbar lymphatics joined with the cisterna chyli, which was continuous with the left-sided thoracic duct. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second antemortem case of a left-sided cisterna chyli in literature. The cisterna chyli can mimic retrocrural lymphadenopathy, solid tumor with cystic degeneration, abscess or hematoma. The left-sided cisterna chyli should be referred to as a structure so as to be cautious in surgical approach.
