Cisterna chyli
Cisterna chyli
- Synonym: Chyle cistern
- Eponym: Cistern of Pecquet
- Related terms: Cisterna chyli; Chyle cistern
Definition
The cisterna chyli (Chyle cistern; Cistern of Pecquet) is an elongated, sac-like lymphatic structure located at the upper portion of the abdominal part of thoracic duct. It is typically found at the vertebral level of T12 to L2, although its location can vary from T10 to L3.
Anatomically, the cisterna chyli is highly variable in size, shape, and morphology. Its dimensions can range from 2 to 32 mm in maximum diameter and 13 to 80 mm in length. The structure can appear as a thick or thin tube, a sausage-shaped fluid collection, or a focal plexus. It is most commonly located right dorsolateral to the abdominal aorta.
The cisterna chyli serves as a major lymphatic reservoir, collecting lymph from the abdominal and pelvic viscera as well as the lower limbs before it drains into the thoracic duct.
References
1.The Cisterna Chyli: A Systematic Review of Definition, Prevalence, and Anatomy.Moazzam S, O'Hagan LA, Clarke AR, et al.American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 2022;323(5):H1010-H1018. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00375.2022.
2.Cisterna Chyli: An Important Landmark in Laparoscopic Paraaortic Lymphadenectomy.Dogan NU, Dogan S, Erol M, Uzun BT.Gynecologic Oncology. 2020;156(2):511. doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.12.004.
3.Cisterna Chyli at Routine Abdominal MR Imaging: A Normal Anatomic Structure in the Retrocrural Space.Pinto PS, Sirlin CB, Andrade-Barreto OA, et al.Radiographics : A Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 2004 May-Jun;24(3):809-17. doi:10.1148/rg.243035086.
4.Computed Tomographic Characteristics of the Cisterna Chyli in Dogs.Birch S, Barberet V, Bradley K, Parsons K, Warren-Smith C.Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound : The Official Journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association. 2014 Jan-Feb;55(1):29-34. doi:10.1111/vru.12078.
5.Thoracic Duct and Cisterna Chyli: Evaluation With Multidetector Row CT.Kiyonaga M, Mori H, Matsumoto S, et al.The British Journal of Radiology. 2012;85(1016):1052-8. doi:10.1259/bjr/19379150.
