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European Journal of Radiology May 2023Mediastinal masses have various histopathological and radiological findings. Although lymphoma is the most common type of tumor, thymic epithelial and neurogenic tumors... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Mediastinal masses have various histopathological and radiological findings. Although lymphoma is the most common type of tumor, thymic epithelial and neurogenic tumors are common in adults and children, respectively, but several other types are difficult to distinguish. No previous review has simply and clearly shown how to differentiate mediastinal masses.
METHOD
We conducted a review of the latest mediastinal classifications and mass differentiation methods, with a focus on neoplastic lesions. Both older and recent studies were searched, and imaging and histopathological findings of mediastinal masses were reviewed. Original simple-to-use differentiation flowcharts are presented.
RESULTS
Assessing localizations and internal characteristics is very important for mediastinal mass differentiation. The mass location and affected organ/tissue should be accurately assessed first, followed by more qualitative diagnosis, and optimization of the treatment strategy. In 2014, the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group presented a new mediastinal clinical classification. In this classification, mediastinal masses are categorized into three groups according to location: prevascular (anterior)-, visceral (middle)-, and paravertebral (posterior)-compartment masses. Then, the internal characteristics and functional images are evaluated.
CONCLUSIONS
Differentiation of mediastinal masses is very difficult. However, if typical imaging findings and clinical characteristics are combined, reasonable differentiation is possible. In each patient, proper differential diagnosis may contribute to better treatment selection.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Thymus Neoplasms; Mediastinum; Lymphoma; Thymus Gland
PubMed: 36921376
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110767 -
Pediatric Radiology Nov 2022Mediastinal and pericardial teratomas have overlapping imaging features that may make accurate prenatal diagnosis challenging.
BACKGROUND
Mediastinal and pericardial teratomas have overlapping imaging features that may make accurate prenatal diagnosis challenging.
OBJECTIVE
To identify prenatal imaging features that may aid in distinguishing between mediastinal and pericardial teratomas.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Prenatally diagnosed pericardial and mediastinal teratomas evaluated at our fetal center from 1995 to 2020 were included in this Institutional Review Board-approved study. Lesion volume was calculated using prospectively reported ultrasound (US) measurements and the formula of a prolate ellipsoid, which was then normalized to head circumference. Prenatal US and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were anonymized with two fetal imagers reviewing the US studies and two different fetal imagers reviewing the MRI studies. These experienced reviewers scored location of the mass in the craniocaudal axis and in the transverse axis. MRI reviewers also scored the presence of inferior cardiac compression by the lesion and whether there was identifiable thymic tissue. Reviewer disagreements were resolved by consensus review.
RESULTS
Eleven pericardial teratomas and 10 mediastinal teratomas were identified. All cases underwent detailed fetal anatomic US and fetal echocardiogram and 10/11 (91%) pericardial teratomas and 8/10 (80%) mediastinal teratomas underwent fetal MRI. Median volume was higher for mediastinal teratomas compared to pericardial teratomas (42.5 mL [interquartile range (IQR) 15.9 - 67.2 mL] vs. 8.1 mL [IQR 7.7 - 27.7 mL], P=0.01) and median volume/head circumference was also statistically higher in mediastinal teratomas (1.33 [IQR 0.78 - 2.61] vs. 0.43 [IQR 0.38 - 1.10], P=0.01). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a statistical difference between teratoma types with respect to location in the craniocaudal axis by both modalities with mediastinal teratomas more commonly located in the upper and upper-middle thorax compared to pericardial teratomas, which were more commonly found in the middle thorax (US, P=0.03; MRI, P=0.04). Logistic regression analysis also demonstrated a statistical difference between teratoma types with respect to position along the transverse axis by both modalities with mediastinal teratomas more commonly located midline or left paramedian and pericardial teratomas more often right paramedian in location (US, P<0.01; MRI, P=0.02). Inferior cardiac compression observed by MRI was associated more commonly with mediastinal teratomas compared to pericardial teratomas (87.5% [7/8] vs. 10% [1/10], P<0.01). Identifiable thymus by MRI was more commonly observed in cases of pericardial teratomas, however, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.32).
CONCLUSION
Mediastinal teratomas are associated with larger lesion size and inferior cardiac compression when compared to pericardial teratomas. These features combined with lesion location in the craniocaudal and transverse axes may allow for more accurate prenatal diagnosis and optimal perinatal and surgical management.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Teratoma; Mediastinum; Pericardium; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Heart Neoplasms
PubMed: 35471666
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-022-05367-x -
Archives of Disease in Childhood.... Dec 2019To present a structured approach to the management of a child with a mediastinal mass presenting to the emergency department. To raise awareness of presenting features... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To present a structured approach to the management of a child with a mediastinal mass presenting to the emergency department. To raise awareness of presenting features of less-obvious mediastinal masses and to encourage consideration of mediastinal masses in differential diagnoses.
METHODS
Review of the relevant literature and review of London Paediatric Cancer Network supportive guidelines and subsequent description of the approach to a child presenting with features suggestive of a mediastinal mass.
CONCLUSIONS
A systematic approach to history taking, clinical examination and investigation of a child presenting with a mediastinal mass will assist in the safe and timely management of children presenting when they are critically unwell. Anticipation of potential management complications and early transfer for ongoing management will improve patient outcomes and minimise morbidity.
Topics: Airway Management; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Mediastinum; Medical History Taking; Physical Examination
PubMed: 31048342
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315269 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood.... Dec 2021A 12-month-old infant was referred with a 6-week history of recurrent admissions with worsening stridor. On each previous admission, the stridor responded well, but...
A 12-month-old infant was referred with a 6-week history of recurrent admissions with worsening stridor. On each previous admission, the stridor responded well, but transiently, to oral dexamethasone. At this presentation, he required high-dependency unit care with high flow oxygen due to marked increased work of breathing.He was born at term, previously well, and up to date with immunisations. There was no significant family history. There were no smokers and two cats at home.He was afebrile with moderate subcostal recession and tracheal tug. On auscultation, breath sounds were normal with transmitted sounds of inspiratory and expiratory stridor. The rest of his examination was normal.He commenced dexamethasone 0.15 μg/kg three times a day, which was weaned as his clinical status improved.Blood tests showed total white cell count 9 x 10ˆ9/L, CRP <1 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase level and blood film normal. Chest radiograph showed left lung hyperexpansion and apparent right-sided bronchial narrowing (figure 1). Flexible nasendoscopy was unremarkable. Microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy showed external airway compression at the level of the carina (figure 2). CT thorax demonstrated a non-enhancing mediastinal mass extrinsic to the airway, approximately 3cmx2.5cmx1.5cm, compressing the carina and main-stem bronchi (figure 3).
Topics: Animals; Bronchoscopy; Cats; Humans; Male; Mediastinum; Radiography; Respiratory Sounds; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 32132092
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-318092 -
Journal of the Belgian Society of... 2023Lipoblastoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful rapidly growing fatty mass within the mediastinum in infants or young children under three...
Lipoblastoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful rapidly growing fatty mass within the mediastinum in infants or young children under three years old.
PubMed: 37483991
DOI: 10.5334/jbsr.3166 -
Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China) 2023Mediastinal lesions are uncommon. However, because of the vital structures in the mediastinum, large lesions specifically can lead to life-threatening situations.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Mediastinal lesions are uncommon. However, because of the vital structures in the mediastinum, large lesions specifically can lead to life-threatening situations. Treatment and management vary considerably with the disease. Therefore, the correct histopathologic diagnosis is important. Here we review lesions that have the potential to present as a giant lesion in the mediastinum. While we focus on the review of histopathologic, immunohistochemical (IHC), and molecular features of these lesions, clinical symptoms and characteristics and prognosis will also be discussed.
METHODS
"Giant" was arbitrarily defined as a size of at least 10 cm in greatest dimension. The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of mediastinal tumors was searched for tumors reported to be larger than 10 cm. Tumors that can present as giant mediastinal lesions based on our own experience were also included. PubMed search was then performed for these lesions.
KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS
A great variety of mediastinal lesions can present as giant mass. Those include for instance tumors of blood and lymph vessels, tumors of neurogenic origin, mesenchymal neoplasms, thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), and non-neoplastic cysts. Lesions range from benign to malignant. This review focuses on the most common lesions.
CONCLUSIONS
Many benign and malignant lesions can become a large mass in the mediastinum. Their correct diagnosis is important for the treatment and management of the patient.
PubMed: 38090032
DOI: 10.21037/med-23-23 -
Korean Journal of Radiology Jan 2021Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a crucial tool for evaluating mediastinal masses considering that several lesions that appear indeterminate on computed... (Review)
Review
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a crucial tool for evaluating mediastinal masses considering that several lesions that appear indeterminate on computed tomography and radiography can be differentiated on MRI. Using a three-compartment model to localize the mass and employing a basic knowledge of MRI, radiologists can easily diagnose mediastinal masses. Here, we review the use of MRI in evaluating mediastinal masses and present the images of various mediastinal masses categorized using the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group's three-compartment classification system. These masses include thymic hyperplasia, thymic cyst, pericardial cyst, thymoma, mediastinal hemangioma, lymphoma, mature teratoma, bronchogenic cyst, esophageal duplication cyst, mediastinal thyroid carcinoma originating from ectopic thyroid tissue, mediastinal liposarcoma, mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst, neurogenic tumor, meningocele, and plasmacytoma.
Topics: Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Lymphoma; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mediastinal Cyst; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Mediastinum; Societies, Medical; Thymoma; Thymus Hyperplasia
PubMed: 32783412
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2019.0897 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Dec 2021The diagnosis of a mediastinal mass may be challenging for clinicians, since lesions arising within the mediastinum include a variety of disease entities, frequently... (Review)
Review
The diagnosis of a mediastinal mass may be challenging for clinicians, since lesions arising within the mediastinum include a variety of disease entities, frequently requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Age and sex represent important information, which need to be integrated with imaging and laboratory findings. In addition, the location of the mediastinal lesion is fundamental; indeed, we propose to illustrate mediastinal diseases based on the compartment of origin. We consider that this structured approach may serve as hint to the diagnostic modalities and management of mediastinal diseases. In this review, we present primary mediastinal tumours in the evolving context of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools, with recently described entities, based on our own experience with >900 cases encountered in the past 10 years.
Topics: Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Mediastinum
PubMed: 34615701
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0309-2020 -
Advances in Anatomic Pathology Nov 2019Primary mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (PM-NHLs) represent ~5% of all NHLs and comprise lymphomas of B-cell and T-cell origin. PM-NHLs are defined as involvement of... (Review)
Review
Primary mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (PM-NHLs) represent ~5% of all NHLs and comprise lymphomas of B-cell and T-cell origin. PM-NHLs are defined as involvement of mediastinal lymph nodes, thymus, and/or mediastinal organs (heart, lung, pleura, pericardium) by NHL without evidence of systemic disease at presentation. The clinical scenario is variable and depends on the lymphoma subtype. The radiologic presentation is also variable ranging from a mediastinal mass with or without superior vena cava syndrome, a pleural or a cardiac mass associated with an effusion, or as an effusion only. The diagnosis of PM-NHLs can only be established by microscopic evaluation, and therefore, general pathologists should be aware of these tumors and familiar with their diagnostic approach. The most common anterior mediastinal NHLs (90% to 95%) are primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma and T lymphoblastic lymphoma. Thymic marginal zone lymphoma and mediastinal gray zone lymphoma are very rare. The remainder PM-NHLs involving middle or posterior mediastinum include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and rare cases of T-cell lymphoma, including anaplastic large cell lymphoma and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma extending to the anterior mediastinum. Primary pleural and cardiac NHLs are mostly DLBCLs. Other rare subtypes of PM-NHLs include DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation/pyothorax-associated lymphoma, fibrin-associated DLBCL (both EBV), and pleural and/or pericardial primary effusion lymphoma (HHV-8/EBV). We review the historical aspects, epidemiology, clinico-radiologic features, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, differential diagnosis, and relevant cytogenetic and molecular features of PM (thymic) LBCL, PM "nonthymic" DLBCL, BCL, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between DLBCL and classic Hodgkin lymphoma (mediastinal gray zone lymphoma), DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation (pyothorax-associated lymphoma), fibrin-associated DLBCL, and primary effusion lymphoma. This review represents the first part of 2 manuscripts covering PM-NHLs.
Topics: Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Mediastinum
PubMed: 31567132
DOI: 10.1097/PAP.0000000000000249 -
The Journal of the Royal College of... Jun 2016We report a case of a mediastinal mass indenting the left lateral tracheal wall of a 35-year-old male who presented with weight loss, cough and breathlessness. Flow...
We report a case of a mediastinal mass indenting the left lateral tracheal wall of a 35-year-old male who presented with weight loss, cough and breathlessness. Flow volume loop and thyroid function tests were normal and thyroid peroxidase antibodies were negative. Technetium scintigraphy and positron emission tomography both showed no uptake. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration confirmed ectopic mediastinal thyroid tissue. Mediastinal ectopic thyroid tissue is very rare. Most patients are asymptomatic and euthyroid with positive signals on scintigraphy. False negative technetium scintigraphy can occur in areas of necrosis, carcinoma and from substernal tissue. Ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare but important differential diagnosis when investigating mediastinal lesions and should be considered even if scintigraphy is negative in the right clinical context. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration can be used when scintigraphy is not diagnostic.
Topics: Adult; Bronchoscopy; Cough; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspnea; False Negative Reactions; Humans; Lung; Male; Mediastinal Diseases; Mediastinum; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radionuclide Imaging; Technetium; Thyroid Dysgenesis; Ultrasonography; Weight Loss
PubMed: 27929571
DOI: 10.4997/JRCPE.2016.205