Anatomy and computed tomography

This presentation has demonstrated the cross sectional anatomy of the cervicothoracic region and has illustrated its application in the interpretation of conventional radiographs and computed tomographs of the region. The mediastinum has been conveniently divided into 3 longitudinal compartments, each continuing uninterrupted through the length of the entire mediastinum. These are the prevascular space (anterior mediastinal compartment), the vascular space (middle mediastinal compartment), and the postvascular space (posterior mediastinal compartment). The continuation of these compartments into the neck or from the neck into the mediastinum has been the focus of this presentation. Various pathologic entities common to the cervicothoracic junction have been used to demonstrate involvement of the compartments described.