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Letter from the editor: The thoracic inlet
Seminars in ULTRASOUND CT and MRI The Thoracic Inlet VOL 17, N O 6
DECEMBER 1996
Letter F r o m the Editor: The T h o r a c i c I n l e t ASE MATERIAL related to the thoracic inlet is often turfed from one imaging specialist to another. Perhaps this is because the subject matter straddles two subspecialties: (1) head and neck imaging and (2) body imaging and involves multiple imaging mod~ilities such as CT, MRI, ultrasonography, and nuclear medicine. For this reason, I was especially enthusiastic about the development of this issue that I hope will be a valuable contribution to the imaging literature. Obviously, the concept of creating this issue did not represent a difficult decision. Somewhat more difficult was a decision regarding the title of the issue with the following choices: (1) Thoracic Inlet, (2) Thoracic Outlet, (3) Cervical Inlet, or (4) Cervical Outlet. I might have also considered a more ubiquitous and verbose title such as (5) the Supraclavicular Region, Axillae, Lung Apex, and Upper Mediastinum. Based on a perusal of other literature on the topic, "The Thoracic Inlet" appeared to be the most popular choice. Dr Deborah Reede provides the lead article for this issue. Over the past several years, her name has become synonymous with the imaging evaluation of this region of the body. She has written and lectured extensively on this topic. I requested that she limit her contribution to a careful review of pertinent, less well-appreciated anatomic structures in this area. The figures that accompany her contribution are a very useful addition to the text. Additionally, the article provides a foundation for the rest of the issue. Drs Mukherji, Castillo, and Wagle provide a
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unique and thorough approach to the brachial plexus. The article is practical, and our readership is certain to find the contribution useful on a day-to-day basis. You will notice some overlap between the first and second articles as the anatomy of the brachial plexus is discussed in both to some degree. Dr Mukherji is a rising star in head and neck radiology, and we are fortunate that he has agreed to share with us his exquisite case material. Dr Laurie Loevner has written two valuable articles on the thyroid and the parathyroid, respectively. I am sure that our readers will agree that it is very difficult to find articles of manageable length and clarity on these specific topics. Her discussions of the anatomy and endocrinology of these structures are extremely impressive and useful. The pertinent, correlative clinical information included is difficult to find elsewhere. Importantly, Dr Loevner details the usefulness of not only CT and MRI but also nuclear studies and ultrasonography in the evaluation of these endocrine organs. These articles are truly unique, and I am sure our readership will appreciate the effort it took to generate these contributions. Dr Robert Dalley provides the final piece of the thoracic inlet "puzzle," a discussion of other mass lesions of this region with special reference to the anatomy and pathology of regional lymph node chains. As the reader may be aware, isolated supraclavicular lymphadenopathy has a very different implication than either diffuse adenopathy or that localized to the upper cervical region. Dr Dalley has lectured extensively on this topic and has terrific case material at his
Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MRI, Vol 17, No 6 (December), 1996: pp 507-508
507
508
disposal. I am sure that our readers will find this article most useful. To an editor, there is nothing more gratifying than viewing the finished product of his or her effort. I believe that I have identified an area of weakness in the imaging literature, and our authors have provided a valuable permanent edition. As I have indicated in previous letters, I am always interested in hearing our readers' ideas regarding the content of future issues, espe-
JOEL D. SWARTZ
cially when they are also potential authors. I can be reached via telephone at (215)951-8763, via fax at (215)951-8923, or via E-mail at [email protected]. Also, my address is inside the front cover. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or criticisms.
Joel D. Swartz, MD Guest Editor
DECEMBER 1996
Letter F r o m the Editor: The T h o r a c i c I n l e t ASE MATERIAL related to the thoracic inlet is often turfed from one imaging specialist to another. Perhaps this is because the subject matter straddles two subspecialties: (1) head and neck imaging and (2) body imaging and involves multiple imaging mod~ilities such as CT, MRI, ultrasonography, and nuclear medicine. For this reason, I was especially enthusiastic about the development of this issue that I hope will be a valuable contribution to the imaging literature. Obviously, the concept of creating this issue did not represent a difficult decision. Somewhat more difficult was a decision regarding the title of the issue with the following choices: (1) Thoracic Inlet, (2) Thoracic Outlet, (3) Cervical Inlet, or (4) Cervical Outlet. I might have also considered a more ubiquitous and verbose title such as (5) the Supraclavicular Region, Axillae, Lung Apex, and Upper Mediastinum. Based on a perusal of other literature on the topic, "The Thoracic Inlet" appeared to be the most popular choice. Dr Deborah Reede provides the lead article for this issue. Over the past several years, her name has become synonymous with the imaging evaluation of this region of the body. She has written and lectured extensively on this topic. I requested that she limit her contribution to a careful review of pertinent, less well-appreciated anatomic structures in this area. The figures that accompany her contribution are a very useful addition to the text. Additionally, the article provides a foundation for the rest of the issue. Drs Mukherji, Castillo, and Wagle provide a
C
unique and thorough approach to the brachial plexus. The article is practical, and our readership is certain to find the contribution useful on a day-to-day basis. You will notice some overlap between the first and second articles as the anatomy of the brachial plexus is discussed in both to some degree. Dr Mukherji is a rising star in head and neck radiology, and we are fortunate that he has agreed to share with us his exquisite case material. Dr Laurie Loevner has written two valuable articles on the thyroid and the parathyroid, respectively. I am sure that our readers will agree that it is very difficult to find articles of manageable length and clarity on these specific topics. Her discussions of the anatomy and endocrinology of these structures are extremely impressive and useful. The pertinent, correlative clinical information included is difficult to find elsewhere. Importantly, Dr Loevner details the usefulness of not only CT and MRI but also nuclear studies and ultrasonography in the evaluation of these endocrine organs. These articles are truly unique, and I am sure our readership will appreciate the effort it took to generate these contributions. Dr Robert Dalley provides the final piece of the thoracic inlet "puzzle," a discussion of other mass lesions of this region with special reference to the anatomy and pathology of regional lymph node chains. As the reader may be aware, isolated supraclavicular lymphadenopathy has a very different implication than either diffuse adenopathy or that localized to the upper cervical region. Dr Dalley has lectured extensively on this topic and has terrific case material at his
Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MRI, Vol 17, No 6 (December), 1996: pp 507-508
507
508
disposal. I am sure that our readers will find this article most useful. To an editor, there is nothing more gratifying than viewing the finished product of his or her effort. I believe that I have identified an area of weakness in the imaging literature, and our authors have provided a valuable permanent edition. As I have indicated in previous letters, I am always interested in hearing our readers' ideas regarding the content of future issues, espe-
JOEL D. SWARTZ
cially when they are also potential authors. I can be reached via telephone at (215)951-8763, via fax at (215)951-8923, or via E-mail at [email protected]. Also, my address is inside the front cover. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or criticisms.
Joel D. Swartz, MD Guest Editor