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Published in: Insights into Imaging 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Ultrasound | Educational Review

Ultrasound imaging of the axilla

Authors: Giulio Cocco, Vincenzo Ricci, Costantino Ricci, Ondřej Naňka, Orlando Catalano, Antonio Corvino, Andrea Boccatonda, Francesco Lorenzo Serafini, Jacopo Izzi, Gianfranco Vallone, Vito Cantisani, Giovanni Iannetti, Massimo Caulo, Claudio Ucciferri, Jacopo Vecchiet, Andrea Delli Pizzi

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Axilla is a pyramidal-in-shape “virtual cavity” housing multiple anatomical structures and connecting the upper limb with the trunk. To the best of our knowledge, in the pertinent literature, a detailed sonographic protocol to comprehensively assess the axillary region in daily practice is lacking. In this sense, the authors have briefly described the anatomical architecture of the axilla—also using cadaveric specimens—to propose a layer-by-layer sonographic approach to this challenging district. The most common sonographic pathological findings—for each and every anatomical compartment of the axilla—have been accurately reported and compared with the corresponding histopathological features. This ultrasound approach could be considered a ready-to-use educational guidance for the assessment of the axillary region.

Critical relevance statement

Axilla is a pyramidal-in-shape “virtual cavity” housing multiple anatomical structures and connecting the upper limb with the trunk. The aim of this review article was to describe the anatomical architecture of the axilla, also using cadaveric specimens, in order to propose a layer-by-layer sonographic approach to this challenging district.

Graphical abstract

Appendix
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Literature
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Metadata
Title
Ultrasound imaging of the axilla
Authors
Giulio Cocco
Vincenzo Ricci
Costantino Ricci
Ondřej Naňka
Orlando Catalano
Antonio Corvino
Andrea Boccatonda
Francesco Lorenzo Serafini
Jacopo Izzi
Gianfranco Vallone
Vito Cantisani
Giovanni Iannetti
Massimo Caulo
Claudio Ucciferri
Jacopo Vecchiet
Andrea Delli Pizzi
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Insights into Imaging / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-023-01430-9

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