Computed Tomography Evaluation of Mediastinal Masses

Abstract

Aims: To study the computed tomographic characteristics of Mediastinal masses in plain and Contrast enhanced scans. Materials and methods: This study of evaluating the efficacy of computed tomography in the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions was performed on 51 cases. Thorough clinical history and clinical examination was done before CT examination. All the cases taken up for the CT were evaluated for the distribution, CT features of the mediastinal mass and also the involvement of adjoining structures. Results: The maximum number of cases occurred in 3rd to 5th decade. Mediastinal lesions occurred more commonly in males. In this study of 51 cases of mediastinal masses, the anterior mediastinum was the most common compartment to be involved with 55% involvement followed by posterior mediastinum (31%) and then middle mediastinum (14%). Neurogenic tumors, metastatic lymphadenopathy, combined lymphoma and tuberculous lymphadenopathy were the most common lesions in posterior, middle and anterior mediastinum respectively. Dyspnea was the most common presenting symptom (76.4% of cases). Solid lesions were commoner that other types of lesions (70%). 44 cases had histopathological confirmation of CT diagnosis and all cases had the same final diagnosis as CT diagnosis. With a sensitivity of 86.2%.Conclusion: Computed tomography definitely had a major role to play in the evaluation of a mediastinal mass regarding the distribution pattern, CT diagnosis and mass effect upon adjacent structures.