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Subcarinal collection following mediastinoscopy: a normal post-procedural CT finding
V Dialani1, D Litmanovich, A A Bankier
1Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA. vdialani@bidmc.harvard.edu
Clinical Radiology
|February 12, 2011
Summary
A subcarinal collection is common after mediastinoscopy, appearing on 90% of CT scans. These collections have distinct features that help differentiate them from lymph nodes.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic imaging
- Medical procedures
Background:
- Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure to examine lymph nodes in the mediastinum.
- Post-procedure imaging is often performed to assess complications or findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of subcarinal collections after mediastinoscopy.
- To identify the computed tomography (CT) features of these collections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing mediastinoscopy.
- Cross-referencing with CT scans performed within 15 days post-procedure.
- Consensus assessment by three thoracic radiologists for subcarinal abnormalities and other CT findings.
Main Results:
- A subcarinal collection was present in 9 of 10 patients (90%).
- Collections were oval, measuring 1.1-3.2 cm, and had lower attenuation than pre-procedure lymph nodes.
- Other findings included tracheobronchial wall thickening, paratracheal collections, mediastinal fat stranding, and air.
Conclusions:
- Subcarinal collections are a frequent finding post-mediastinoscopy.
- Characteristic CT features aid in distinguishing these collections from lymph nodes.
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