MR and CT anatomy of the axilla.

PURPOSE

To depict the complex anatomy of the axilla with CT and MR imaging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The axillary regions of 2 cadavers (with arms hyperabducted) were examined by means of CT and MR. In this position the cadavers were frozen and cryosectioned. The anatomical sections documented by the MR and CT images were compared and anatomical structures were designated. To show the reproducibility of the anatomical structures and to find variations, 20 volunteers were also examined by MR, and 20 consecutive patients without axillary symptoms were examined by CT.

RESULTS

The complexity of the axilla was excellently shown by both CT and MR, but MR was able to demonstrate more detail in the small vessels and in the brachial plexus. The comparability of the examinations of the different individuals was best in the axial plane. Some differences appeared in the coronal and sagittal planes caused by different positions of the arm.

CONCLUSION

Axillary anatomy was demonstrated in detail and was reproducible with CT and MR imaging.