Lymphocoele of the thoracic duct: a cause of left supraclavicular fossa.

Lymphocoele of the thoracic duct, alternatively referred to as thoracic duct cyst, is an uncommon abnormality that can present occasionally as a left supraclavicular fossa mass. Recognition of the origin of such a neck mass on imaging is crucial to avert unnecessary intervention. A case of such a mass is presented with discussion of the fascinating variable anatomy of the thoracic duct.

[1]  Bruce Elliot Hirsch,et al.  Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice , 2009 .

[2]  B. Branstetter,et al.  Normal CT appearance of the distal thoracic duct. , 2006, AJR. American journal of roentgenology.

[3]  K. Pereira,et al.  Cervical thoracic duct cysts: a case report and review of the literature. , 2003, Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery.

[4]  P. Bonfils,et al.  Lymphocele of the thoracic duct presenting as a left supraclavicular mass: a case report and review of the literature. , 2001, Auris, nasus, larynx.

[5]  P. Mattila,et al.  Thoracic Duct Cyst: A Case Report and Review of 29 Cases , 1999, The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology.

[6]  R. Langford,et al.  A morphological study of the thoracic duct at the jugulo-subclavian junction. , 1998, Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.

[7]  J. Aanesen,et al.  Cystic dilatation of the thoracic duct presenting as a supraclavicular mass. , 1986, The British journal of radiology.

[8]  P. Kinnaert.  Anatomical variations of the cervical portion of the thoracic duct in man. , 1973, Journal of anatomy.

[9]  C. Sinnatamby,et al.  Last's anatomy : regional and applied , 2011 .