The thoracic inlet is located at the crossroads between imaging of the neck and chest. It represents an important anatomic landmark, serving as the central conducting pathway for many vital structures extending from the neck into the chest and vice versa. Many important body systems are located within this region, including the enteric, respiratory, vascular, lymphatic, neurologic, and endocrine systems. A detailed examination of this region is essential when reviewing neck and thoracic imaging. This article will discuss the normal anatomic boundaries of the thoracic inlet and present an image-rich systematic discussion of the non-neoplastic pathology that can occur in this region. The neoplastic pathology of the thoracic inlet will be covered in a companion article.

The thoracic inlet is located at the crossroads between imaging of the neck and the chest. Its location is an important anatomic landmark, serving as the central conducting pathway for many vital structures extending from the neck into the chest and vice versa. Many critical body systems, including the respiratory, lymphatic, neurologic, enteric, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and vascular systems, are located within this region. Neoplasms, both benign and malignant, can arise in any of the body systems located in this area. Due to the small size of this anatomic location, pathology is easily overlooked and imagers should be aware of the imaging appearance of these neoplasms, as well as which imaging modality is the most appropriate for neoplasm evaluation. This article will present an image rich, system-based discussion of the neoplastic pathology that can occur in this region. The anatomy of the thoracic inlet and the non-neoplastic pathology of the thoracic inlet have been covered in our companion article.