Arenavirus

Anatomical space in the thorax

The aortopulmonary space is an anatomical region in the thorax, located between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This space is clinically significant as it contains important structures and is a site where certain pathological conditions can manifest.

Anatomy

The aortopulmonary space is situated in the superior mediastinum, bordered anteriorly by the ascending aorta and posteriorly by the pulmonary trunk. It is a triangular area that is also bounded superiorly by the aortic arch and inferiorly by the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk.

Contents

The aortopulmonary space contains several important structures, including:

• The ligamentum arteriosum, a remnant of the fetal ductus arteriosus, which connects the aorta to the pulmonary artery.
• The left recurrent laryngeal nerve, which loops under the aortic arch and ascends towards the larynx.
• Lymph nodes, which are part of the mediastinal lymphatic system and can be involved in various diseases, including cancer and infections.

Clinical Significance

The aortopulmonary space is of clinical importance due to its contents and its proximity to major cardiovascular structures. Pathological conditions that can affect this space include:

• Aortopulmonary window defects: Congenital heart defects where there is an abnormal communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.
• Aneurysms: Aneurysms of the aorta or pulmonary artery can expand into this space, potentially compressing adjacent structures.
• Lymphadenopathy: Enlargement of the lymph nodes in this area can occur due to infections, malignancies, or inflammatory conditions.

Imaging

The aortopulmonary space can be visualized using various imaging modalities, including:

• Chest X-ray: May show widening of the mediastinum or other indirect signs of pathology.
• CT scan: Provides detailed images of the aortopulmonary space and its contents, useful for diagnosing aneurysms, lymphadenopathy, and other conditions.
• MRI: Offers excellent soft tissue contrast and can be used to assess the structures within the aortopulmonary space.

Related pages

• Aorta
• Pulmonary artery
• Superior mediastinum
• Ligamentum arteriosum

Gallery

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  Diagram showing the aortopulmonary window.

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  Illustration of the aortopulmonary angle.