Cisterna chyli
Updates to Article Attributes
The cisterna chyli (CC), also known as receptaculum chyli),is a normal anatomical structure seen as a saccular area of dilatation in the lymphatic channels that is located in the retrocrural space, usually to the immediate right of the abdominal aorta 4.
Gross anatomy
The cisterna chyli originates at the level of L1/2 vertebral body and extends 5-7 cm in the caudocephalad axis.
It is a sac-like structure formed by the junction of the lumbar, intestinal, and descending intercostal lymphatic trunks. From there, the lymph channels continue to the thoracic duct to empty into the left subclavian vein.
Radiographic features
CT
The cisterna chyli can be identified as rounded to elliptical retrocrural structure with an average attenuation of 4 HU. There is no enhancement following intravenous contrast administration.
MRI
The signal intensity characteristics of the cisterna chyli on MRI are the same as those for static or slow-moving fluids with high signal intensity is expected on MR hydrography techniques 3.
Differential diagnosis
On CT imaging consider:
- enlarged retrocrural lymph node 1
- small neurenteric cyst
-<p>The<strong> cisterna chyli (CC) </strong>(also known as <strong>receptaculum chyli</strong>)<strong> </strong>is a normal anatomical structure seen as a saccular area of dilatation in the lymphatic channels that is located in the <a href="/articles/retrocrural-space">retrocrural space</a>, usually to the immediate right of the <a href="/articles/abdominal-aorta-1">abdominal aorta</a> <sup>4</sup>.</p><h4>Gross anatomy</h4><p>The cisterna chyli originates at the level of L1/2 vertebral body and extends 5-7 cm in the caudocephalad axis. </p><p>It is a sac-like structure formed by the junction of the lumbar, intestinal, and descending intercostal lymphatic trunks. From there, the lymph channels continue to the <a href="/articles/thoracic-duct">thoracic duct </a>to empty into the left <a href="/articles/subclavian-vein">subclavian vein</a>.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>CT</h5><p>The cisterna chyli can be identified as rounded to elliptical retrocrural structure with an average attenuation of 4 HU. There is no enhancement following intravenous contrast administration.</p><h5>MRI</h5><p>The signal intensity characteristics of the cisterna chyli on MRI are the same as those for static or slow-moving fluids with high signal intensity is expected on MR hydrography techniques <sup>3</sup>.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis</h4><p>On CT imaging consider:</p><ul>- +<p>The<strong> cisterna chyli (CC)</strong>, also known as <strong>receptaculum chyli</strong>,<strong> </strong>is a normal anatomical structure seen as a saccular area of dilatation in the lymphatic channels that is located in the <a href="/articles/retrocrural-space">retrocrural space</a>, usually to the immediate right of the <a href="/articles/abdominal-aorta-1">abdominal aorta</a> <sup>4</sup>.</p><h4>Gross anatomy</h4><p>The cisterna chyli originates at the level of L1/2 vertebral body and extends 5-7 cm in the caudocephalad axis. </p><p>It is a sac-like structure formed by the junction of the lumbar, intestinal, and descending intercostal lymphatic trunks. From there, the lymph channels continue to the <a href="/articles/thoracic-duct">thoracic duct </a>to empty into the left <a href="/articles/subclavian-vein">subclavian vein</a>.</p><h4>Radiographic features</h4><h5>CT</h5><p>The cisterna chyli can be identified as rounded to elliptical retrocrural structure with an average attenuation of 4 HU. There is no enhancement following intravenous contrast administration.</p><h5>MRI</h5><p>The signal intensity characteristics of the cisterna chyli on MRI are the same as those for static or slow-moving fluids with high signal intensity is expected on MR hydrography techniques <sup>3</sup>.</p><h4>Differential diagnosis</h4><p>On CT imaging consider:</p><ul>
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