Superior aortic recess

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The superior aortic recess is one of the pericardial recesses forming a small space within the pericardium, which arises from the superior margin of the transverse pericardial sinus and surrounds the root of the ascending aorta.

Its components are variable and may be further subdivided into:

  • anterior superior aortic recess
  • right superior aortic recess
  • posterior superior aortic recess

It may mimic mediastinal lymphadenopathy or a bronchogenic cyst.