Computed tomography of the mediastinum

ABSTRACT

CT is the most valuable diagnostic technique for the evaluation of suspected mediastinal masses when other conventional precedures become insufficient as a means of diagnosis. Using CT, a lesion suspected on the plain chest roentgenogram is easily confirmed, its location can be established more precisely and its relations to adjacent structures is accurately defined. With contrast enhancement, CT is reliable in distinguishing vascular from non- vascular structures and can determine whether the etiology is an anatomic variation or a pathalogic alteration of a mediastinal vascular structure. CT allows an accurate evaluation of the mediastinal lymph nodes especially the aorto-pulmonic nodes. CT os the most valuable radiologic technoque in the evaluation of the paraspinal widening