Evaluation of Mediastinal Mass Lesions Using Multi-detector Row Computed Tomography and Correlation with Histopathological Diagnosis

Background: Multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) is a promising three-dimensional imaging tool allowing substantial anatomical volumes to be routinely covered with isotropic sub-millimeter spatial resolution. MDCT scans precisely localize lesions and biopsy needles diagnostic fine-needle aspiration for both benign and malignant disease processes has become a quite safe and highly accurate procedure. Aims and Objectives: To correlate MDCT fi ndings of the mediastinal mass lesions with histopathology. To differentiate between benign and malignant mediastinal mass lesions based on MDCT fi ndings. To evaluate MDCT characteristics of mediastinal mass lesions. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 50 cases in the age group [6-76] years with clinical or radiological suspicion of mediastinal lesions referred from Departments of Medicine, Surgery and Pediatrics between September 2011 and October 2013 to the Department of radio-diagnosis, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bangalore for MDCT evaluation. Results: The study included 36 cases of benign lesions and 14 malignant lesions. Cases of mediastinal lesions were found between age groups 6 and 76 years. All 50 cases were verified histopathologically. Diagnostic accuracy of 92% and 84% was seen for benign and malignant lesions, respectively. Conclusion: With the high rate of diagnostic accuracy, MDCT plays a significant role in the assessment of various mediastinal pathology. The maximum number of cases occurred in 4th-6th decade. Anterior mediastinum was the most common compartment to be involved (52%) followed by posterior mediastinum (30%). MDCT defi nitely has a major role to play in the evaluation of a mediastinal mass regarding diagnosis, distribution pattern and mass effect on adjacent structures.