ROLE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN EVALUATION OF ANTERIOR MEDIASTINAL MASSES

Abstract

ABSTRACT
AIM AND OBJECTIVES:
 To study the characteristics and determine the differential diagnosis of anterior
mediastinal masses by Computed Tomography.
 To correlate the histo-pathological diagnosis to the findings of CT scan where
possible.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
 The mediastinum is the region between the two lungs divided into three
compartments anterior, middle and posterior.
 The spectrum of diseases affecting the anterior mediastinum varies
considerably, ranging from tumors (benign to extremely malignant), cysts,
vascular anomalies and lymph node masses.
 Computed Tomography has revolutionized in the diagnosis of mediastinal
lesions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Study area:ASRAM MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL
Study subjects: All cases referred to the department of Radio-Diagnosis for
clinically suspected Mediastinal masses at ASRAM MEDICAL COLLEGE AND
HOSPITAL over a period of 6 months(June 2024-december 2024) were included in
the study.
Research design: Prospective Study.
Equipment: All the cases were studied on a GE REVOLUTION computed
tomography machine.
Study sample: 10 study samples.
Duration of study: Period of 6 months(June 2024-december 2024)
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
 Patients with symptoms of clinically suspected mediastinal masses seen on
radiograph.
 Investigated by CT scan and subsequently proved by histopathology.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
 Patients with prior treatment elsewhere on presentation.
 Recurrent mediastinal masses after treatment.
 Patient with abnormal renal function test and contrast sensitivity.
RESULTS :
In 10 study samples of anterior mediastinal masses lymphoma occupied 40%,
thymoma and tubercular adenitis were 20%, thymic carcinoma and germ cell tumors
were 10%. So in this study the most common anterior mediastinal mass is
lymphoma.
CONCLUSION:
Through my study now I could say lymphoma is the most commonly occurring
neoplasm among all anterior mediastinal masses .