Superior mediastinum

Question 1

Give 2 examples of what causes mediastinal narrowing.

Answer 1

AKA silhouetting

1) lung mass
2) pleural effusion

Question 2

Give 3 examples of what causes mediastinal widening.

Answer 2

1) Tumor
2) aneurysm
3) Pericardial effusion

Question 3

What are the 6 important anatomical landmarks located at the sternal angle to T4/T5 plane?

Answer 3

1) Separation between superior and inferior mediastinum
2) Beginning and end of aortic arch
3) Bifurcation of trachea into 2 main bronchi
4) azygous vein arches over the roof of the right lung and opens into SVC
5) Thoracic duct crosses form right to left (largest lymph)
6) The upper limit of the base of the heart

Question 4

Fracture to the manubrium most likely damages what structure?

Answer 4

Left Brachiocephalic vein

Question 5

What are the 11 important structures found in the superior mediastinum?

Answer 5

MNEMONIC: A PVT Left BATTLE

1) Arch of azygos
2) Phrenic nerve
3) Vagus Nerve
4) Thoracic duct - largest lymphatic system
5) Left Recurrent laryngeal nerve (not right)
6) Brachiocephalic vein (R/L)
7) Aortic arch (3 branches)
8) Thymus
9) Trachea
10) Lymph nodes
11) Esophagus