title: Diagnostic approach to mediastinal masses.
abstract: Mediastinal masses represent a vast group of tumours and pseudo-tumours which can involve the various compartments of the mediastinum. The authors propose a radiologic diagnostic approach starting from the plain thoracic radiograph with study of the mediastinal lines and oesophageal transit and going on to the classifications made possible by modern CT and MR imaging. The proposed diagnostic procedure is based on nine mediastinal lines and two 'threads of Ariadne' which are the compartments where the masses are located and their behaviour at CT (densitometry before and after administration of an iodinated bolus) and at MRI (T1, T2, gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted sequences). The definitive aetiological diagnosis may be established by surgery, but also in certain cases by percutaneous needle biopsy.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Imagerie Thoracique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Purpan, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Giron
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fajadet
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sans
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jarlaud
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Verhnet
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Galy-Fourcade
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Baunin
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Durand
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Sénac
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Railhac
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003287:Contrast Media; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007454:Iodides; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D007454:Iodides; D005682:Gadolinium