Multiplanar CT evaluation of brachial plexopathy in breast cancer

• Published in: Journal of computer assisted tomography Vol. 15; no. 5; p. 790
• Main Authors: Fishman, E K, Campbell, J N, Kuhlman, J E, Kawashima, A, Ney, D R, Friedman, N B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.1991
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Axilla - diagnostic imaging; Brachial Plexus - diagnostic imaging; Breast Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Lymphatic Metastasis; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - diagnostic imaging; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 0363-8715; 1532-3145
• DOI: 10.1097/00004728-199109000-00012

Standard axial CT supplemented by two-dimensional reconstruction in coronal, sagittal, and oblique planes was used to evaluate 35 patients with a history of breast cancer and clinical symptoms suggestive of brachial plexopathy. In five patients, definite tumor recurrence was seen either within the axilla or the neurovascular bundle or near the origin of the brachial plexus at the C5-C7 level. In six patients, there was thickening around the plexus compatible with fibrosis or scarring. In these patients, no mass was seen. In 24 patients, no evidence of abnormality was noted. Reformatted views can supplement transaxial CT and are particularly effective in defining the course of the brachial plexus and detection of tumor recurrence. The oblique views along with orthogonal planes provide optimal visualization of the brachial plexus and are helpful in the detection of tumor involvement.