Fundamental Radiological Findings: Posterior Mediastinal Mass

OVERVIEW

This page is dedicated to covering the important radiological finding of a posterior mediastinal mass. Look here for more radiological findings.

WHAT IS IT?

A posterior mediastinal mass refers to a finding typically appreciated on a chest X-ray. The posterior mediastinum is a compartment that extends from the posterior border of the heart to the anterior border of the vertebral column. For practical purposes, radiologically it is considered to extend to either side of the spine into the paravertebral gutters. It contains the descending aorta, esophagus, and lymph nodes.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS FOR THIS FINDING

When seeing a posterior mediastinal mass, it is important to keep in mind the following possible causes of this finding:

Neurogenic tumors are very common in this region:

KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHARACTERIZING THE FINDING

When seeing a posterior mediastinal mass, there are a few important radiological features one should look at to try and characterize the finding. These features can help navigate the differential diagnosis above.

 

Page Updated: 01.09.2016