Multi-slice spiral CT features of mediastinal hemangiomas / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the imaging findings of mediastinal hemangiomas (MH) on multi-slice spiral CT. Methods: CT findings of 13 patients with MH were analyzed retrospectively. The location, shape, size, margin, density and enhancement pattern, mass-cardiovascular interface (MCI), mass-pulmonary interface (MPI) and other appearances of MH were observed. Results: Single mass with obscure margin was found in all 13 patients, located at anterior-middle mediastinum in 6 cases, at anterior-middle-posterior in 4 cases, while at posterior mediastinum in 3 cases. Diffuse pampiniform growth mass was found in 10 cases, with irregular-shape and obscure MCI, while mild and significant mass effect were observed in 9 cases mass and 1 case, respectively. Mild pampiniform growth and dumbbell-shape mass were observed in 2 cases, extended into spinal canal and compressed the spinal cord, and 1 mass showed expansive growth and oval-shape. MPI were clear in 12 cases and obscure in 1 case. Eight masses showed mixed density with stripe-like soft tissue in peripheral area, 2 masses showed homogenous density, 3 masses showed predominant fatty tissue with nodular or stripe-like soft tissue, among which the phleboliths were seen in 5 cases. All 13 masses showed heterogeneously nodular or stripe-like enhancement with delayed-enhancement, while significant draining veins were simultaneously seen in 12 cases, blood supply arteries in 7 cases and splenic hemangioma in 4 cases. Conclusion: CT findings of MH are relatively specific. Enhanced CT is valuable for preoperative evaluation and accurate diagnosis of MH.