Thoracic Outlet: Anatomic Correlation with MR Imaging

The purpose of this report is to describe the normal MR anatomy of the thoracic outlet and its modification after postural maneuvers using an anatomic-MR imaging correlation. MR imaging appears to be a useful technique to study the thoracic outlet and its contents because of its excellent soft-tissue depiction and its multiplanar capabilities. T1-weighted images obtained in the sagittal plane clearly depicted the different compartments of the cervicothoracic-brachial junction. Hyperabduction maneuvers may have potential applications in the assessment of the thoracic outlet syndrome by showing the location of compression.