What is paratrachea?

The paratrachea, also known as the retrovisceral space or retrotracheal space, is a small space located behind the trachea in the neck and chest region. It is a narrow and elongated compartment extending from the thoracic inlet at the top of the chest to the level of the fourth thoracic vertebrae.

The paratrachea contains various structures such as the esophagus, recurrent laryngeal nerves, thoracic duct, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. It also gets continuous with the mediastinum in the chest.

Diseases or conditions affecting the structures in the paratracheal area can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, neck or chest pain, and respiratory distress. Imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI are used to study and diagnose conditions affecting the paratrachea. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition and may range from medication to surgery.