Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Korean Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (대한자기공명의과학회)
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Left-Sided Cisterna Chyli: a Case Report on a Rare Normal Anatomic Structure

  • Seo, Jin Ho (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital) ;
  • Hwang, Jeong Ah (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital) ;
  • Shin, Hyeong Cheol (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Seung Soo (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital) ;
  • Park, Chan Ho (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Hyoung Nam (Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital)
  • Received : 2019.05.22
  • Accepted : 2019.07.29
  • Published : 2019.09.30
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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.

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References

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