A study of mediastinal mass lesions by various imaging modalities

Background: The diseases affecting the mediastinum very considerably, ranging from tumor, cysts, vascular anomalies, lymph node masses, mediastinitis, mediastinal fibrosis, to pneumomediastinum. For accurate diagnosis various imaging modalities are now available, which helps in in-depth study of various masses. Objective: To study imaging appearance, distribution, and other features of various mediastinal mass lesions. Also to compare the various modality of imaging findings with each other and with histopathologic diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study carried out in suspected cases of mediastinal masses. All participants were underwent various imaging procedures such as chest radiographs, barium swallowing study, computerized tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging. Result: Of total 50 participants, 23 had benign, 22 had malignant, and 5 had vascular lesions. The most common site of mediastinal mass was anterior mediastinum (25), in which the most common type of masses was of thymic origin (9). Masses of posterior mediastinum (18) were other common types, with esophageal carcinoma (7) being the most common lesion. In the CT scan, of 42 lesions, 29 showed solid, 6 showed cystic, and 7 showed mixed consistencies, whereas 13 showed calcifications. Conclusion: The most common type of mass in anterior mediastinum is thymic mass. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging help the clinicians and radiologists in identifying the precise location, extent, and characterization of these masses.