The contrast enhanced paravascular neoplasm: a potential CT pitfall

Computed tomography (CT) is an accepted diagnostic tool for the evaluation of the known or suspected parenchymal or mediastinal mass. Contrast enhancement of a paravascular mass, proportional to that in an adjacent vascular structure, is strong evidence that the mass is a vascular structure. Based on our series of 200 chest examinations with an 18 sec CT scanner, it is recommended that the contrast enhanced paravascular mass be further evaluated with angiography if there is known primary neoplasm, evidence of mass growth, or clinical findings more consistent with neoplasia. The newer rapid scanning tomographs may obviate the need for angiography because of their ability to appreciate differentials in blood flow.