MR imaging features of presumed retroclavicular and periscapular intermuscular vascular plexi - An observational, anatomic study

Objective To describe MR imaging features of presumed vascular plexi in the periscapular (PSC) and retroclavicular (RC) locations. Materials/methods 443 consecutive MR studies performed as “brachial plexus” protocol (axialT1-W and sagittal STIR) were reviewed for presence, size and characteristics of PSC and RC plexi. Results Presumed PSC and RC vascular plexi were present in 10%. Both plexi more commonly occurred on the left side. Percutaneous biopsy (n = 1) yielded no vascular neoplasm. Conclusion RC and PSC vascular plexi are commonly encountered on routine brachial plexus MR imaging and may represent variant vascular networks, as they are frequently found on the contralateral asymptomatic side.