The mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy is the central part of the chest cavity containing many vital structures, such as the heart, great vessels, trachea Trachea The trachea is a tubular structure that forms part of the lower respiratory tract. The trachea is continuous superiorly with the larynx and inferiorly becomes the bronchial tree within the lungs. The trachea consists of a support frame of semicircular, or C-shaped, rings made out of hyaline cartilage and reinforced by collagenous connective tissue. Trachea: Anatomy, thoracic esophagus Esophagus The esophagus is a muscular tube-shaped organ of around 25 centimeters in length that connects the pharynx to the stomach. The organ extends from approximately the 6th cervical vertebra to the 11th thoracic vertebra and can be divided grossly into 3 parts: the cervical part, the thoracic part, and the abdominal part. Esophagus: Anatomy, lymph Lymph The interstitial fluid that is in the lymphatic system. Secondary Lymphatic Organs nodes, multiple nerves, sympathetic chains, and thoracic spine Spine The human spine, or vertebral column, is the most important anatomical and functional axis of the human body. It consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and 5 lumbar vertebrae and is limited cranially by the skull and caudally by the sacrum. Vertebral Column: Anatomy. Mediastinal pathology (e.g., masses) can be noted on conventional radiographs as part of evaluating chest-related symptoms, or it can be incidentally detected. To elucidate the characteristics of the mediastinal abnormality, further imaging studies are warranted. Common additional modalities are CT and MRI.
Last updated: 10 May, 2022
The
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy:
subdivided into the superior and inferior
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy, which is further divided into anterior, middle, and posterior thirds.
Posteroanterior (PA) view on
chest X-ray
Chest X-ray
X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs.
Pulmonary Function Tests showing normal findings:
The
trachea
Trachea
The trachea is a tubular structure that forms part of the lower respiratory tract. The trachea is continuous superiorly with the larynx and inferiorly becomes the bronchial tree within the lungs. The trachea consists of a support frame of semicircular, or C-shaped, rings made out of hyaline cartilage and reinforced by collagenous connective tissue.
Trachea: Anatomy is midline. The shadow of the
superior vena cava
Superior vena cava
The venous trunk which returns blood from the head, neck, upper extremities and chest.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy (SVC) is immediately to the right of the
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy. Right and left hila are seen. The right (right atrium) and left (left ventricle) heart borders are clearly visible. Portions of ascending and descending
aorta
Aorta
The main trunk of the systemic arteries.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy are visible.
Lateral view on
chest X-ray
Chest X-ray
X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs.
Pulmonary Function Tests showing normal findings:
The retrosternal space is clear. The anterior (right ventricle) and posterior (right atrium) heart borders are clearly visible.
Chest X-ray Chest X-ray X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs. Pulmonary Function Tests lateral view illustrating the anterior mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy (area between the sternum Sternum A long, narrow, and flat bone commonly known as breastbone occurring in the midsection of the anterior thoracic segment or chest region, which stabilizes the rib cage and serves as the point of origin for several muscles that move the arms, head, and neck. Chest Wall: Anatomy and the anterior heart border)
Image by Hetal Verma.Chest X-ray Chest X-ray X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs. Pulmonary Function Tests lateral view illustrating the middle mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy (area from the anterior pericardium Pericardium A conical fibroserous sac surrounding the heart and the roots of the great vessels (aorta; venae cavae; pulmonary artery). Pericardium consists of two sacs: the outer fibrous pericardium and the inner serous pericardium. The latter consists of an outer parietal layer facing the fibrous pericardium, and an inner visceral layer (epicardium) resting next to the heart, and a pericardial cavity between these two layers. Heart: Anatomy to the thoracic spine Spine The human spine, or vertebral column, is the most important anatomical and functional axis of the human body. It consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and 5 lumbar vertebrae and is limited cranially by the skull and caudally by the sacrum. Vertebral Column: Anatomy)
Image by Hetal Verma.Chest X-ray Chest X-ray X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs. Pulmonary Function Tests lateral view illustrating the posterior mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy (area from the anterior thoracic spine Spine The human spine, or vertebral column, is the most important anatomical and functional axis of the human body. It consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, and 5 lumbar vertebrae and is limited cranially by the skull and caudally by the sacrum. Vertebral Column: Anatomy to the vertebral bodies)
Image by Hetal Verma.
Axial
Axial
Computed Tomography (CT) mediastinal anatomy on CT (post-contrast):
the blood vessels (SVC:
superior vena cava
Superior vena cava
The venous trunk which returns blood from the head, neck, upper extremities and chest.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy; PA:
pulmonary artery
Pulmonary artery
The short wide vessel arising from the conus arteriosus of the right ventricle and conveying unaerated blood to the lungs.
Lungs: Anatomy, AO:
aorta
Aorta
The main trunk of the systemic arteries.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy) are filled with contrast. The
bronchi
Bronchi
The larger air passages of the lungs arising from the terminal bifurcation of the trachea. They include the largest two primary bronchi which branch out into secondary bronchi, and tertiary bronchi which extend into bronchioles and pulmonary alveoli.
Bronchial Tree: Anatomy are air-filled.
Bone
Bone
Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy.
Bones: Structure and Types structures are noted to be bright on CT.
MRI
Chest radiograph, posteroanterior (PA) and lateral views:
Pneumomediastinum
Pneumomediastinum
Mediastinitis was confirmed on
chest X-ray
Chest X-ray
X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs.
Pulmonary Function Tests, based on the presence of air dissecting along the
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy (arrows) and into the lower
neck
Neck
The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body.
Peritonsillar Abscess region bilaterally (arrowheads).
Chest X-ray Chest X-ray X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs. Pulmonary Function Tests showing SC emphysema Emphysema Enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles where gas-exchange normally takes place. This is usually due to destruction of the alveolar wall. Pulmonary emphysema can be classified by the location and distribution of the lesions. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (black arrows) and pneumomediastinum Pneumomediastinum Mediastinitis (white arrows) noted in an individual with esophageal rupture Esophageal rupture Esophageal rupture or perforation is a transmural defect that occurs in the esophagus, exposing the mediastinum to GI content. The most common cause of esophageal perforation is iatrogenic trauma by instrumentation or surgical procedures. Esophageal Perforation
Image: “F1” by van Heijl, M., Saltzherr, T.P., van Berge Henegouwen, M.I., Goslings, J.C. License: CC BY 2.0Chest CT demonstrating SC emphysema Emphysema Enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles where gas-exchange normally takes place. This is usually due to destruction of the alveolar wall. Pulmonary emphysema can be classified by the location and distribution of the lesions. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and pneumomediastinum Pneumomediastinum Mediastinitis (arrows)
Image: “F2” by Alexiou, K., Sakellaridis, T., Sikalias, N., Karanikas, I., Economou, N., Antsaklis, G. License: CC BY 2.0Chest radiograph illustrating the trachea Trachea The trachea is a tubular structure that forms part of the lower respiratory tract. The trachea is continuous superiorly with the larynx and inferiorly becomes the bronchial tree within the lungs. The trachea consists of a support frame of semicircular, or C-shaped, rings made out of hyaline cartilage and reinforced by collagenous connective tissue. Trachea: Anatomy was shifted to the left in an individual found to have primary ectopic substernal thyroid Thyroid The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the human body. The thyroid gland is a highly vascular, brownish-red gland located in the visceral compartment of the anterior region of the neck. Thyroid Gland: Anatomy cancer
Image: “Fig1” by Ma, R.M., Lv, L., Zheng, S.R., You, J., Huang, D.P., Guo, G.L. License: CC BY 4.0A CT scan showing a 5.9 cm × 4.3 cm lesion involving the left lobe of thyroid Thyroid The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the human body. The thyroid gland is a highly vascular, brownish-red gland located in the visceral compartment of the anterior region of the neck. Thyroid Gland: Anatomy and isthmus Isthmus Uterus, Cervix, and Fallopian Tubes: Anatomy encasing the left common carotid artery Common carotid artery The two principal arteries supplying the structures of the head and neck. They ascend in the neck, one on each side, and at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, each divides into two branches, the external and internal carotid arteries. Carotid Arterial System: Anatomy and subclavian artery and extending into the left carotid space and anterosuperior mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy
Image: “fig2” by Ghosh, S., Rao, P.B., Sarkar, S., Kotne, S., Turlapati, S.P., Mishra, A. License: CC BY 3.0A CT scan of the thorax shows calcified lesions in a cyst in the mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy, suggestive of bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Bones: Structure and Types and teeth Teeth Normally, an adult has 32 teeth: 16 maxillary and 16 mandibular. These teeth are divided into 4 quadrants with 8 teeth each. Each quadrant consists of 2 incisors (dentes incisivi), 1 canine (dens caninus), 2 premolars (dentes premolares), and 3 molars (dentes molares). Teeth are composed of enamel, dentin, and dental cement. Teeth: Anatomy in the mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast.
Image: “F2” by Reddy, K.B., Murthy, G.R., Ks KS Kallmann syndrome (KS), also called olfacto-genital syndrome, is a genetic condition that causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to decreased secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) by the hypothalamus. The lack of sex hormones results in impaired pubertal development. Kallmann Syndrome, S. License: CC BY 3.0Axial Axial Computed Tomography (CT) CT scan showing a well-demarcated multi-septated cystic Cystic Fibrocystic Change mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast compatible with mediastinal teratoma
Image: “F2” by Vaccaro, A., Vierucci, F., Dini, F., Ruggieri, S., Crespin, L., Matteucci, L., Domenici, R. License: CC BY 3.0Coronal Coronal Computed Tomography (CT) (A) and sagittal Sagittal Computed Tomography (CT) (B) CT reconstructions of mediastinal cystic Cystic Fibrocystic Change teratoma. The mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast appears to compress the adjacent structures without invasion. A calcification is evident in coronal Coronal Computed Tomography (CT) reconstruction.
Image: “F3” by Vaccaro, A., Vierucci, F., Dini, F., Ruggieri, S., Crespin, L., Matteucci, L., Domenici, R. License: CC BY 3.0A T2-weighted sagittal Sagittal Computed Tomography (CT) MRI showing a multilocular cystic Cystic Fibrocystic Change lesion compressing the pulmonary trunk Pulmonary Trunk Truncus Arteriosus. Biopsy Biopsy Removal and pathologic examination of specimens from the living body. Ewing Sarcoma proved that the mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast was an immature teratoma (IT).
Image: “Fig. 4” by Koçinaj, D., Krasniqi, X., and Bakalli, A. License: CC BY 4.0Image (
chest X-ray
Chest X-ray
X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs.
Pulmonary Function Tests):
Frontal
Frontal
The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face.
Skull: Anatomy chest radiograph shows a rim calcified lesion (left panel).
Lateral chest radiograph confirms that the rim calcified
mass
Mass
Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast
Imaging of the Breast resides within the anterior
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy (right panel).
Chest CT demonstrating a mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast, representing a thymic carcinoma, with involvement of aortic arch Aortic arch Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy
Image: “f2-cmo-2-2008-477” by Kobrinsky, B., Khaykis, I., Hill, D., Petrovic, L., Yee, H., Chandra, A., Diehl, D.L. License: CC BY 3.0Enhanced chest CT showing a large mediastinal mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast outlined in red and found subsequently to be a thymoma Thymoma A neoplasm originating from thymic tissue, usually benign, and frequently encapsulated. Although it is occasionally invasive, metastases are extremely rare. It consists of any type of thymic epithelial cell as well as lymphocytes that are usually abundant. Malignant lymphomas that involve the thymus, e.g., lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin’s disease (previously termed granulomatous thymoma), should not be regarded as thymoma. Primary Lymphatic Organs
Image: “Fig2” by Downes, K.M., Tarasewicz, D., Weisberg, L.J., Cunningham, E.T. License: CC BY 4.0A contrast-enhanced thorax CT shows a soft -issue mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast (arrow) in the anterior mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy, later confirmed to be a thymoma Thymoma A neoplasm originating from thymic tissue, usually benign, and frequently encapsulated. Although it is occasionally invasive, metastases are extremely rare. It consists of any type of thymic epithelial cell as well as lymphocytes that are usually abundant. Malignant lymphomas that involve the thymus, e.g., lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin’s disease (previously termed granulomatous thymoma), should not be regarded as thymoma. Primary Lymphatic Organs.
Image: “f3” by Aydın, F., SĂĽrer Budak, E., Dertsiz, L., Belgi, A., Arslan, G., GĂĽngör, F. License: CC BY 2.5A chest X-ray Chest X-ray X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs. Pulmonary Function Tests shows a giant mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast in the right lower lung field (left). Chest CT shows a mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast measuring 13 x 10 cm in diameter, in contact with the right inferior pulmonary vein Pulmonary Vein Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) (right). Resected tumor Tumor Inflammation was confirmed to be a thymoma Thymoma A neoplasm originating from thymic tissue, usually benign, and frequently encapsulated. Although it is occasionally invasive, metastases are extremely rare. It consists of any type of thymic epithelial cell as well as lymphocytes that are usually abundant. Malignant lymphomas that involve the thymus, e.g., lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin’s disease (previously termed granulomatous thymoma), should not be regarded as thymoma. Primary Lymphatic Organs.
Image: “Fig1” by Saito, T., Makino, T., Hata, Y., Koezuka, S., Otsuka, H., Isobe, K., Tochigi, N., Shibuya, K., Homma, S., Iyoda, A. License: CC BY 4.0Axial Axial Computed Tomography (CT)-enhanced T2 image showing an anterior mediastinal mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast representing a thymoma Thymoma A neoplasm originating from thymic tissue, usually benign, and frequently encapsulated. Although it is occasionally invasive, metastases are extremely rare. It consists of any type of thymic epithelial cell as well as lymphocytes that are usually abundant. Malignant lymphomas that involve the thymus, e.g., lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin’s disease (previously termed granulomatous thymoma), should not be regarded as thymoma. Primary Lymphatic Organs
Image: “Fig4” by Bano, G., Sennik, D., Kenchaiah, M., Kyaw, Y., Snape, K., Tripathi, V., Wilson, P., Vlahos, I., Hunt, I., Hodgson, S. License: CC BY 4.0Chest radiographs of an individual with large B cell lymphoma revealed a large anterior mediastinal
mass
Mass
Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast
Imaging of the Breast.
Note the widened
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy (right) and obscured retrosternal space on the lateral view (left)
A CT of the
neck
Neck
The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body.
Peritonsillar Abscess and chest showed a large lobulated heterogeneous-enhancing
mass
Mass
Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast
Imaging of the Breast with central
necrosis
Necrosis
The death of cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury or failure of the blood supply.
Ischemic Cell Damage at the anterior and the middle
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy with some parts extending into the left anterior
neck
Neck
The part of a human or animal body connecting the head to the rest of the body.
Peritonsillar Abscess (A).
Significant improvement of lymphomatous involvement at the prevascular region was seen after 8 cycles of CHOP
chemotherapy
Chemotherapy
Osteosarcoma (B).
CHOP: cyclophosphamide (cytoxan), hydroxyrubicin (adriamycin), oncovin (
vincristine
Vincristine
An antitumor alkaloid isolated from vinca rosea.
Microtubule and Topoisomerase Inhibitors), prednisone
Chest X-ray Chest X-ray X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs. Pulmonary Function Tests showing a bulge in the right mediastinal contour (red arrow), which represents a mediastinal bronchogenic cyst
Image: “Figure 1” by Ramireddy, K., Golamari, R. R., Minupuri, A., et al AL Amyloidosis. License: CC BY 4.0A CT scan post– contrast media Contrast Media Substances used to allow enhanced visualization of tissues. Computed Tomography (CT) injection reveals a huge low-density compressive lesion (cyst) in the posteromedial mediastinum Mediastinum The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy.
Image: “F1” by Kouerinis, I.A., Zografos, G.C., et al AL Amyloidosis. License: CC BY 2.0Posteroanterior (PA) chest radiograph showing bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy is lymph node enlargement (> 1 cm) and is benign and self-limited in most patients. Etiologies include malignancy, infection, and autoimmune disorders, as well as iatrogenic causes such as the use of certain medications. Generalized lymphadenopathy often indicates underlying systemic disease. Lymphadenopathy (BHL) together with lower bilateral interstitial lung densities ( sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease that causes noncaseating granulomas. The exact etiology is unknown. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes, but it can also affect almost every system in the body, including the skin, heart, and eyes, most commonly. Sarcoidosis)
Image: “F1” by Papaetis, G.S., Pefanis, A., et al AL Amyloidosis. License: CC BY 2.0Hilar lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy is lymph node enlargement (> 1 cm) and is benign and self-limited in most patients. Etiologies include malignancy, infection, and autoimmune disorders, as well as iatrogenic causes such as the use of certain medications. Generalized lymphadenopathy often indicates underlying systemic disease. Lymphadenopathy (LAD) (arrows) seen on chest X-ray Chest X-ray X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs. Pulmonary Function Tests
Image: “figure1” by Conte, G., Zugni, F., et al AL Amyloidosis. License: CC BY 3.0A CT scan demonstrating unilateral (right) hilar lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy Lymphadenopathy is lymph node enlargement (> 1 cm) and is benign and self-limited in most patients. Etiologies include malignancy, infection, and autoimmune disorders, as well as iatrogenic causes such as the use of certain medications. Generalized lymphadenopathy often indicates underlying systemic disease. Lymphadenopathy (LAD) in an individual with small cell lung cancer Lung cancer Lung cancer is the malignant transformation of lung tissue and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The majority of cases are associated with long-term smoking. The disease is generally classified histologically as either small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. Symptoms include cough, dyspnea, weight loss, and chest discomfort. Lung Cancer
Image: “F1” by Hudhud, K.H., Masood, A., Oh, Y., Hegazi, A. License: CC BY 2.0
Chest X-ray
Chest X-ray
X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs.
Pulmonary Function Tests showing a left-sided mediastinal
mass
Mass
Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast
Imaging of the Breast (thoracic
aortic aneurysm
Aortic aneurysm
An abnormal balloon- or sac-like dilatation in the wall of aorta.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms):
A
homogeneous
Homogeneous
Imaging of the Spleen, soft-tissue, dense, well-defined lesion in the left lung (white arrow) extending from the aortic knuckle to the left hemidiaphragm.
Its medial margin merges with the
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy and there is a left-sided mild-to-moderate
pleural effusion
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the parietal and visceral pleura. Common causes of this condition include infection, malignancy, autoimmune disorders, or volume overload. Clinical manifestations include chest pain, cough, and dyspnea.
Pleural Effusion (PE) (black arrow).
A CT aortography CT aortography A non-invasive method that uses a ct scanner for capturing images of blood vessels and tissues. A contrast material is injected, which helps produce detailed images that aid in diagnosing vascular diseases. Imaging of the Lungs and Pleura showing a dilated portion of the aorta Aorta The main trunk of the systemic arteries. Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy consistent with an ascending (black arrow) and descending (large white arrow) aortic aneurysm Aortic aneurysm An abnormal balloon- or sac-like dilatation in the wall of aorta. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms. A left-sided pleural effusion Pleural Effusion Pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the parietal and visceral pleura. Common causes of this condition include infection, malignancy, autoimmune disorders, or volume overload. Clinical manifestations include chest pain, cough, and dyspnea. Pleural Effusion (PE) (small white arrow) is also seen.
Image: “Fig2” by Pathirana, U., Kularatne, S., Handagala, S., Ranasinghe, G., Samarasinghe, R. License: CC BY 4.0A CT scan of the thorax showing a large, well-defined, heterogeneous
mass
Mass
Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast
Imaging of the Breast in the left hemithorax (thoracic
schwannoma
Schwannoma
Schwannomas (also known as neurilemmomas) are benign nerve sheath tumors in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), arising from Schwann cells that encase the peripheral nerves. Schwannomas are the most common tumors in the PNS.
Schwannoma):
The
mass
Mass
Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast
Imaging of the Breast extends peripherally up to the
pleura
Pleura
The pleura is a serous membrane that lines the walls of the thoracic cavity and the surface of the lungs. This structure of mesodermal origin covers both lungs, the mediastinum, the thoracic surface of the diaphragm, and the inner part of the thoracic cage. The pleura is divided into a visceral pleura and parietal pleura.
Pleura: Anatomy and
chest wall
Chest wall
The chest wall consists of skin, fat, muscles, bones, and cartilage. The bony structure of the chest wall is composed of the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae. The chest wall serves as armor for the vital intrathoracic organs and provides the stability necessary for the movement of the shoulders and arms.
Chest Wall: Anatomy and shows infiltrations into the SC tissue.
The
mass
Mass
Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast
Imaging of the Breast also contains areas of low attenuation, corresponding to hemorrhage and
necrosis
Necrosis
The death of cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury or failure of the blood supply.
Ischemic Cell Damage, and extends up to the
pleura
Pleura
The pleura is a serous membrane that lines the walls of the thoracic cavity and the surface of the lungs. This structure of mesodermal origin covers both lungs, the mediastinum, the thoracic surface of the diaphragm, and the inner part of the thoracic cage. The pleura is divided into a visceral pleura and parietal pleura.
Pleura: Anatomy and the
chest wall
Chest wall
The chest wall consists of skin, fat, muscles, bones, and cartilage. The bony structure of the chest wall is composed of the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae. The chest wall serves as armor for the vital intrathoracic organs and provides the stability necessary for the movement of the shoulders and arms.
Chest Wall: Anatomy. There is a mediastinal shift to the right side.
(a) Chest radiograph shows bilateral
pleural effusion
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the parietal and visceral pleura. Common causes of this condition include infection, malignancy, autoimmune disorders, or volume overload. Clinical manifestations include chest pain, cough, and dyspnea.
Pleural Effusion, mediastinal, widening and
cardiac
Cardiac
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) enlargement.
(b) Contrast-enhanced chest CT image (
lung window
Lung Window
Computed Tomography (CT)) demonstrates a giant posterior mediastinal
tumor
Tumor
Inflammation,
pericardial effusion
Pericardial effusion
Fluid accumulation within the pericardium. Serous effusions are associated with pericardial diseases. Hemopericardium is associated with trauma. Lipid-containing effusion (chylopericardium) results from leakage of thoracic duct. Severe cases can lead to cardiac tamponade.
Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade, and bilateral
pleural effusion
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the parietal and visceral pleura. Common causes of this condition include infection, malignancy, autoimmune disorders, or volume overload. Clinical manifestations include chest pain, cough, and dyspnea.
Pleural Effusion (PE).
(c) The individual underwent pericardial drainage, and a transversal T1-weighted MRI scan taken after shows a giant encapsulating
tumor
Tumor
Inflammation in the posterior
mediastinum
Mediastinum
The mediastinum is the thoracic area between the 2 pleural cavities. The mediastinum contains vital structures of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems including the heart and esophagus, and major thoracic vessels.
Mediastinum and Great Vessels: Anatomy compressing the heart.
(d) In a
sagittal
Sagittal
Computed Tomography (CT) true steady-state free precession (SSFP) MRI image, a
tumor
Tumor
Inflammation occupying most of left thoracic cavity is seen.