Recess or Lymphadenopathy? Role of Dynamic Diffusion MRI in Differentiating Right Lower Paratracheal Lesions
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of dynamic diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the identification of recesses that were interpreted as lower paratracheal LAP on thoracic CT, resulting in unnecessary procedures. Methods: This study included 211 patients who underwent dynamic thoracic MR and CT at our hospital between March 2016 and February 2017. Results: High-riding superior pericardial recess (HSPR) was observed on dynamic MRI in 118 patients. On CT, this structure was interpreted as the HSPR in 98 (83.1%) of these patients and as the lower right paratracheal LAP in 20 patients (16.9%). The mean largest diameter of the areas interpreted as HSPR in both modalities was 13.9±8.7 mm on dynamic MR images and 12.1 ± 6.7 mm on CT images. This difference was statistically significant (P=.04). Areas interpreted as HSPR on dynamic MRI and lower right paratracheal LAP on CT were significantly larger than those interpreted as lower right paratracheal LAP in both modalities (P=.03). Conclusion: Compared with thoracic CT, dynamic MRI may be more effective for lung cancer staging and preventing unnecessary diagnostic procedures and long-term follow-up because of misinterpretation of the pericardial recess as a lower right paratracheal LAP.
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References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Chest Diseases
Journal Section
Research Article
Early Pub Date
May 4, 2026
Publication Date
August 18, 2026
Submission Date
February 22, 2026
Acceptance Date
April 17, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 1 Number: 2