2. Axilla and Brachial plexus

Question 1

Why might we image the brachial plexus

Answer 1

For degenerative spinal disease or trauma

Question 2

How can be image the brachial plexus

Answer 2

Xray, CT and MRI

Question 3

Where can I find the roots, trunks, divisions, cords and branches of the brachial plexus

Answer 3

Roots: close to cervical spine

Trunks: (sup, mid, inf) Posterior triangle of neck

Divisions: (the anterior and posterior) Behind clavicle

Cords (3 lateral, posterior and medial) and Branches : Axilla

Question 4

What is the importance of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer

Answer 4

Sentinel lymph nodes - the first group of lymph nodes to drain lymph from the breast are found in the axilla and this is where tumour cells can go and start to spread.

Question 5

Where does the name of the axillary artery and vein change

Answer 5

Changes to brachial when the vessel leaves the axilla at the lower border of teres major

Question 6

How can imaging help with breast cancer

Answer 6

Nuclear medicine imaging can help find the sentinel lymph node and a sample from this can confirm whether there is nodal spread. It may indicate need for further treatment with chemo or radiotherapy

Question 7

Where does the superior breast tend to drain to

Answer 7

apical nodes

Question 8

Where does the anterolateral part of the breast drain to

Answer 8

Pectoral/central nodes