The right pleuromediastinal reflection in children.

The authors review the anatomy of the pleural reflection of the right lung against the middle mediastinum in childhood. In 505 consecutive normal frontal radiographs of children, from birth to sixteen years, this pleural reflection (also known as the pleuro-esophageal line) was visible in 83%. The entire reflection from thoracic inlet to diaphragm was clearly seen in 13%, chiefly in upright, deep-inspiration, well penetrated radiographs. It is a radiographic landmark in the middle mediastinum, particularly well seen in childhood, and its use in assessment of mass lesions, cardiomegaly and lung collapse is described.