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High-attenuation mediastinal masses on unenhanced CT.
H S Glazer1, P L Molina, M J Siegel
1Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
High-attenuation mediastinal masses on unenhanced CT scans can indicate calcium, iodine, or hemorrhage. This visual guide covers these common findings, excluding contrast-enhanced cases.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Thoracic Imaging
Background:
- Mediastinal masses present a diagnostic challenge.
- Identifying high-attenuation areas on unenhanced CT is crucial for diagnosis.
- Causes include calcification, iodine, and hemorrhage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the spectrum of high-attenuation mediastinal masses on unenhanced CT.
- To aid radiologists in differentiating causes of increased attenuation in the mediastinum.
Main Methods:
- Review of unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scans.
- Identification and characterization of mediastinal masses with high attenuation.
- Exclusion of masses only visible with intravenous contrast.
Main Results:
- Various mediastinal masses exhibit high attenuation on unenhanced CT.
- High attenuation can be diffuse or focal.
- Common causes identified are calcification, high iodine content, and acute hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- Unenhanced CT can effectively identify high-attenuation mediastinal masses.
- Recognizing these patterns aids in differential diagnosis.
- Further characterization may be needed based on clinical context.