CT and MR findings in tuberculous mediastinitis
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T Kushihashi1, H Munechika, H Motoya
1Department of Radiology, Showa University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Objective:
Tuberculous mediastinitis, a rare complication of pulmonary tuberculosis, may simulate a mediastinal tumor on chest radiography. For evaluation and follow-up of the disease, CT and MRI are needed.
Materials And Methods:
Two cases of tuberculous mediastinitis are presented with emphasis on the importance of MRI. In both cases, MRI was performed because the CT appearance was unusual for a mediastinal tumor.
Results:
The areas of low signal intensity within the anterior mediastinal mass on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging were due to the reactive fibrous tissue and were suggestive of an inflammatory mass.
Conclusion:
When a mediastinal mass would be unusual on CT, MRI should be performed. If there are areas of low signal intensity within the mass on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging, an inflammatory mass such as tuberculous mediastinitis, is one of the possibilities.