Radiologicai appearances of mediastinal ganglioneuromas / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the radiolngical findings of mediastinal ganglioneuroma and to improve its diagnostic accuracy. Methods Imaging data of 8 cases of pathologically proven mediastinal ganglioueuroma were restrospectively analyzed. Results These tumors could occur in the anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum or posterior mediastinum, with a preference for the posterior mediastinum (6/8). No specific clinical symptoms and signs were observed. Well-defined enlargrment of mediastinum with homogeneous density was shown on plain X-Ray. CT scanning was performed in 7 cases, including non-contrast scan alone (n = 3 ), both non-coutrast and contrast-enhanced scans ( n = 4). Round or oval shaped, well circumscribed, homogeneous or slightly heterogeneous, hypadense masses were demonstrated on non-contrast scan. Spotty calification could be found in a few cases. Homogeneous or slightly heterogeneous enhancement was seen following the intravenous injection of contrast material. Large tumors showed a tendency of wedging into the space between adjacent organs and structures, and encasing the nearby large vessels. MR without contrast was performed in 1 case. T1 WI showed isointensity to adjacent muscle, T2WI showed homogeneous hyperintensity. Multi-planar reconstruction provided more information concerning the relationship of the mass lesions with neighboring structures. Conclusion Mediastinal ganglioneuromas have some specific characterstics on imaging studies, which could assist in pre-operative diagnosis and surgical planning.