Cross-sectional anatomy of the pericardial sinuses, recesses, and adjacent structures.

Detailed drawings of four cross sections through the mediastinum which pass through the sinuses and recesses of the pericardial cavity, are presented. The drawings depict the location and extent of the pericardial sinuses, recesses, and their closely associated extrapericardial structures. Two previously unnamed recesses within the serous pericardium are defined and named, one the inferior aortic recess of the transverse sinus and the other, the right pulmonic recess of the transverse sinus. The terminology of the pericardial sinuses and recesses has been inconsistent, and the authors propose a nomenclature for standardizing the names of the recesses of the serous pericardium. Important anatomic pericardial relationships with regard to pericardial effusions and lymphadenopathy are discussed.