The aortopulmonary space is a small space between the aortic arch and the pulmonary artery. It contains the ligamentum arteriosum, the recurrent laryngeal nerve, lymph nodes, and fatty tissue.[1] The space is bounded anteriorly by the ascending aorta, posteriorly by the descending aorta, medially by the left main bronchus, and laterally by mediastinal pleura.

On a lateral chest radiograph, the aortopulmonary space is normally seen as the "aortopulmonary window".[1]

The presence of radiodensity in this space on radiography may indicate lymphadenopathy.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Dewey, Marc; Magid, Donna; Wheeler, Paul S.; Hamm, Bernd (2004). "Aortopulmonary Window or Angle on the Chest Radiograph?". American Journal of Roentgenology. 182 (4): 1085–1086. doi:10.2214/ajr.182.4.1821085. ISSN 0361-803X. PMID 15039195.
  2. ^ Heitzman E, Lane E, Hammack D, Rimmler L (1975). "Radiological evaluation of the aortic-pulmonic window". Radiology. 116 (3): 513–8. doi:10.1148/116.3.513. PMID 1153753.