This composite of contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) images of the thoracic aorta illustrates a ductus arteriosus diverticulum (DAD) and an associated pseudoaneurysm. Panel A, an axial image, shows the DAD (arrow) as a contrast-filled outpouching from the aorta, connecting to a larger, more peripheral pseudoaneurysm (arrowhead) that displays heterogeneous density, indicating a mix of opacified blood and potential thrombus. Panel B is a two-dimensional sagittal reformatted image showing the DAD (arrow) and pseudoaneurysm (arrowhead) arising from the inferior aspect of the aortic arch, near the site of the ligamentum arteriosum. Panel C presents a three-dimensional volume-rendered reconstruction, providing a spatial overview of the aortic arch anatomy for surgical planning. The reconstruction clearly delineates the wide neck of the DAD (arrow) and the orientation of the pseudoaneurysm sac (arrowhead) toward the pulmonary artery. These images demonstrate key diagnostic features used to differentiate a benign ductus diverticulum from a complex vascular pathology requiring intervention.

This diagnostic image consists of two axial chest CT scans—contrast-enhanced (A) and non-contrast (B)—demonstrating a calcified ligamentum arteriosum in a 32-year-old female. Both images show a small, well-defined, hyperdense focal point (indicated by white arrows) located at the level of the tracheal bifurcation. This calcification is positioned within the aortopulmonary window, specifically near the 12 o'clock position relative to the descending thoracic aorta. Anatomical landmarks include the descending thoracic aorta posteriorly, the bifurcation of the trachea (carina) centrally, and the pulmonary artery adjacent to the aorta. The primary educational focus is to distinguish this benign, physiological calcification of the ligamentum arteriosum from a small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). On enhanced CT (A), the high density of the calcification can mimic vascular enhancement; however, the non-contrast image (B) confirms the pre-existing high density characteristic of calcification rather than contrast-filled lumen. This distinction is critical for radiologists to avoid misdiagnosing a congenital vascular shunt.

This set of diagnostic images features longitudinal two-dimensional (2D) and color Doppler echocardiography of the ductus arteriosus (DA) in neonates. Panels A-C illustrate the 'PDA-closure group,' demonstrating the progressive stages of spontaneous closure. (A) shows a thin, hypoechoic, uneven intima with a patent lumen (D1) and wide transcatheter flow (W1) within 24 hours of birth. (B) displays intimal thickening and lumen occlusion by 48-72 hours. (C) shows the final formation of the hyperechoic ligamentum arteriosum with total cessation of flow at 26 days. Panels D-F depict the 'PDA-open group,' where the intima remains thinner and the lumen (D1-D3) stays more patent over time despite some contraction. Color Doppler confirms persistent shunting (blue and red flow signals) across the DA in the open group, while showing diminishing flow in the closure group. The series highlights the pathophysiology of neonatal DA remodeling, specifically the role of intimal cushions and contraction in transition from a patent ductus arteriosus to an anatomical ligament.

A clinical photograph of a cadaveric dissection focused on the superior mediastinum, specifically demonstrating the relationship between major cardiovascular and neurovascular structures. The aortic arch is positioned superiorly, with the pulmonary artery (PUL ART) located inferior to it. Connecting these two vessels is the ligamentum arteriosum (LIG), a fibrous remnant of the ductus arteriosus, shown as a short, taut band. The left vagus nerve descends vertically, crossing the lateral aspect of the aortic arch. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is clearly visible branching from the vagus nerve and looping medially and superiorly beneath the aortic arch, just posterior to the ligamentum arteriosum. A metal surgical probe is used to retract the vagus nerve for better visualization of the RLN's origin. This anatomical illustration highlights the clinical importance of the RLN's course, particularly in thoracic surgery or cases of aortic pathology where the nerve may be compressed or injured, leading to vocal cord paralysis.

This clinical image is a frame from a video laryngoscopy showing a post-treatment view of a normal larynx in a pediatric patient. The true vocal cords (vocal folds) are clearly visualized, appearing as symmetrical, smooth, pearly-white bands that form a V-shape. The surrounding supraglottic structures, including the epiglottis, arytenoids, and false vocal cords, appear healthy with smooth, moist, pink mucosa and no evidence of edema or inflammation. The glottic opening is patent, and the vallecula and pyriform sinuses are clear of masses or lesions. This image demonstrates the resolution of a previously documented laryngeal B-cell lymphoma following chemotherapy and surgical intervention, serving as a baseline for normal laryngeal anatomy during follow-up endoscopic assessment.

An endoscopic view of a normal human larynx, representing a baseline for clinical comparison with various voicing disorders. The diagnostic image displays the true vocal folds (vocal cords) as smooth, whitish-pink, and symmetrical structures. They are positioned in a V-shaped configuration, creating a clear triangular glottic opening that indicates the larynx is in a state of abduction (opening for respiration). The surrounding laryngeal mucosa and vestibular folds (false vocal folds) appear healthy, pink, and free of visible lesions, nodules, cysts, or inflammation. Key landmarks visible include the posterior commissure at the base of the 'V' and the surrounding subglottic space appearing dark in the background. This clinical photograph serves as an educational reference for normal laryngeal anatomy in the context of otolaryngology and speech-language pathology.

Two circular panels show a diagnostic endoscopy of the human larynx, specifically a postoperative view following surgical repair of laryngeal trauma. The clinical photographs depict the internal laryngeal anatomy, including the epiglottis, false vocal folds, and true vocal cords. The mucosal surfaces appear pinkish-red and healthy, with no visible signs of acute inflammation, significant granulation tissue, or ulceration. The true vocal folds are centrally positioned and form a dark triangular glottic opening, suggesting patency of the airway. The left panel shows the larynx in a more open (abducted) state, while the right panel shows a slightly different phase of mobilization or viewing angle. The anatomical structures, including the arytenoids and surrounding vestibular folds, appear symmetrical and well-defined. This endoscopic evaluation is used to assess postoperative healing, laryngeal lumen patency, and vocal cord mobility after complex laryngeal reconstruction, such as thyroid and cricoid cartilage fracture repair.

This endoscopic clinical photograph depicts the internal anatomy of the human larynx as captured via electronic video laryngoscopy. The visual focuses on the glottis during inspiration, showing the true vocal cords in an abducted position, forming a V-shaped aperture that reveals the subglottic space. The vocal cords exhibit a normal pearly-white to pale-pink mucosal color with a smooth surface, free of visible nodules, polyps, or leukoplakia. Surrounding supraglottic structures, including the aryepiglottic folds and the ventricular zone (false vocal cords), appear symmetrical with healthy pink mucosa. There is no evidence of edema, erythema, or residual tumor mass in this 9-month postoperative view. The image serves as a representative example of a healthy laryngeal recovery following the surgical resection of an extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP), demonstrating restored anatomical integrity and no signs of clinical recurrence.

This clinical photograph displays an endoscopic view of the human larynx, specifically a fiberoptic nasoendoscopy. The image highlights the glottis and surrounding supraglottic structures. Centrally, the true vocal folds (vocal cords) appear as bright, pearly-white, crescent-shaped bands. The edges of the folds are smooth and symmetrical, framing the dark, patent rima glottidis (airway opening). Above the vocal folds, the vestibular folds (false vocal cords) and the laryngeal vestibule are visible, exhibiting a healthy, reddish-pink mucosal lining with normal vascularity. The epiglottis is partially visible at the top of the frame. Small droplets of clear mucus are scattered across the mucosal surface, which is a normal finding. This image serves as an educational example of normal post-traumatic recovery, demonstrating preserved laryngeal anatomy and unobstructed airway patency following a penetrating neck injury.