Left paratracheal stripe
Last revised by Patrick J Rock
on 9 Oct 2020
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Knipe H, Rock P, Sharma R, et al. Left paratracheal stripe. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 06 Dec 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-23506
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rID:
23506
Article created:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Henry Knipe had no recorded disclosures.
View Henry Knipe's current disclosures
Last revised:
9 Oct 2020,
Patrick J Rock
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Patrick J Rock had no recorded disclosures.
View Patrick J Rock's current disclosures
Revisions:
6 times, by
5 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
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Synonyms:
- left paratracheal reflection
The left paratracheal stripe is formed by the interface of the medial pleural surface of the left upper lobe and left lateral border of the trachea and/or the fat adjacent 1 with air within each structure forming the outline. It may not be visible if the left upper lobe contacts the left subclavian artery or left common carotid artery 2.
Abnormal widening or contour may be due to 1,2:
- pleural effusion
- mediastinal lymphadenopathy or malignancy
- mediastinal hematoma
Recognition of any abnormality in the left paratracheal stripe is invaluable in ensuring the appropriateness in further investigation with CT.
Radiological appearance
Plain radiograph
- seen on ~25% (range 21-31%) of PA chest x-rays 1,2
- appears as a vertical stripe of variable thickness, that extends from the aortic arch to the left subclavian artery 1,2
References
- 1. Gibbs JM, Chandrasekhar CA, Ferguson EC et-al. Lines and stripes: where did they go?-From conventional radiography to CT. Radiographics. 2007;27 (1): 33-48. Radiographics (full text) - doi:10.1148/rg.271065073 - Pubmed citation
- 2. Webb WR, Hirji M, Gamsu G. Posterior wall of the bronchus intermedius: radiographic-CT correlation. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1984;142 (5): 907-11. doi:10.2214/ajr.142.5.907 - Pubmed citation
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