Ultrasound imaging of the axilla

AbstractAxilla is a pyramidal-in-shape “virtual cavity” housing multiple anatomical structures and connecting the upper limb with the trunk. To the best of our knowledge, in the pertinent literature, a detailed sonographic protocol to comprehensively assess the axillary region in daily practice is lacking. In this sense, the authors have briefly described the anatomical architecture of the axilla—also using cadaveric specimens—to propose a layer-by-layer sonographic approach to this challenging district. The most common sonographic pathological findings—for each and every anatomical compartment of the axilla—have been a ccurately reported and compared with the corresponding histopathological features. This ultrasound approach could be considered a ready-to-use educational guidance for the assessment of the axillary region.Critical relevance statementAxilla is a pyramidal-in-shape “virtual cavity” housing multiple anatomical structures and connecting the upper limb with the trunk. The aim of this review article was to describe the anatomical architecture of the axilla, also using cadaveric specimens, in order to propose a layer-by-layer sonographic appro ach to this challenging district.Graphical abstract
Source: Insights into Imaging - Category: Radiology Source Type: research