Computed tomography of the normal and pathological thoracic inlet.

The thoracic inlet is insufficiently investigated by conventional radiographic techniques. CT clearly demonstrates this area free of superimposition. Thorough knowledge of cross sectional anatomy is essential for CT interpretation. There is a wide spectrum of pathology involving the thoracic inlet because its visceral, lymphatic, vascular and nervous structures are connected with many parts of the body. An overview is given on the indispensable role of CT in the investigation of the various pathological entities involving the thoracic inlet.