title: Diagnostic features of tumors of the lower thoracic sympathetic chain.
abstract: Four cases of sympathetic neural tumors of the most inferior portion of the thoracic sympathetic chain are presented. The location of each tumor was such that a primary adrenal tumor might have been considered. However, each tumor was associated with erosion of the ipsilateral lower ribs or vertebral pedicles. Such radiologic findings indicate a primary posterior mediastinal tumor and primary exploration should be transthoracic.
mesh_terms: D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005729:Ganglioneuroma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013127:Spinal Nerves; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery