See a 3D rotating view of this image.
The 2D Time-Of-Flight MRA/MRV displays in high
resolution the arteries and veins which supply the brachial
plexus. The transverse image (perpendicular to the line of
sight when looking in the direction from the feet toward the
head) on top helps provide a 3D perspective. The amount of
blood flow is proportional to signal intensity (which correlates
to proton density). Gray, hazy areas indicate diminished flow
(compression).
In this view, the patient's
arms are in the abduction external rotation (AER) position,
which is overhead. When changing from the neutral position
(arms at side) to the AER position, the manubrium is displaced backward. The clavicles with the
subclavius muscles rotate posterior inferiorly, decreasing
the size of the thoracic inlet enhancing costoclavicular compressing of the brachial
plexus, subclavian veins and arteries against the
first ribs.
A different perspective is obtained by viewing the
negative image, where the black/white color map
is reversed (i.e. black becomes white and white
becomes black).
