Left paraspinal line

The left paraspinal (also known as the paraspinous or paravertebral) line (or stripe) is a feature of frontal chest x-rays. It is formed by the interface between the left lung and the left posterior mediastinal soft tissues . It is more commonly seen than the right paraspinal line.

Lateral displacement of the left paraspinal line can be due to :

• osteophytes
• mediastinal fat
• posterior mediastinal or spinal pathology
  • hematoma: often from traumatic vertebral fractures
  • malignancy: especially neurogenic tumors
  • infection
  • lymphadenopathy
  • extramedullary hematopoiesis
  • descending thoracic aortic aneurysm
  • esophageal varices

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

• seen on ~35% (range 31-41%) of frontal chest x-rays
• appears as a vertical line extending from the aortic arch to (or below) the diaphragm, typically lying medial to the lateral wall of the descending thoracic aorta but occasionally will lie lateral to the aorta