Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of posterior mediastinal ganglioneuromas. Materials and Methods: Of 14 pathologically confirmed ganglioneuromas seen in 13 patients, 13 were evaluated by CT images with and without contrast, 11 were evaluated with conventional spin-echo MR images, and 5 were evaluated with contrast-enhanced MR examination. The morphologic features, attenuation, signal intensity, and dynamic enhancement pattern of the neoplasms were evaluated. Results: All lesions were identified as a well-demarcated oval and/or lobular mass. CT attenuation was predominantly low. Calcification on CT scan was seen in 38% of the cases. Whorled appearance (42%) and tailed-shaped edge (14%) were seen on both CT and MR images. Fat components (29%) observed histologically were also detected in tumors on CT and MR images. MR signal intensity in the lesions was mainly low on T1-weighted images and high on T2-weighted images. Contrast enhancement of the tumors was poor in 46% on dynamic CT study. In all 5 contrast-enhanced MR examinations, all lesions were enhanced. Conclusion: The characteristic findings of posterior mediastinal ganglioneuromas are a craniocaudally oblong-shaped mass, calcification, whorled appearance, tail-like extension, and fat component. Poor enhancement on dynamic CT studies is commonly observed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 100-106 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Thoracic Imaging |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 03-2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine