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Mediastinal hemangioma: radiographic and CT features in 14 patients
H P McAdams1, M L Rosado-de-Christenson, C A Moran
1Department of Radiology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Insights
Mediastinal hemangiomas appear as well-marginated masses on CT scans, often showing heterogeneous enhancement after contrast material administration. These features are key for diagnosing this vascular tumor.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Mediastinal masses require accurate characterization for diagnosis.
- Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that can occur in the mediastinum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the characteristic imaging findings of mediastinal hemangioma on computed tomography (CT).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of chest radiographs and CT scans from 14 patients diagnosed with mediastinal hemangioma.
- Analysis of imaging features including margin characteristics, calcification, and enhancement patterns.
Main Results:
- Mediastinal hemangiomas typically present as well-marginated masses on CT.
- Calcifications (punctate or phleboliths) were noted in some cases.
- Heterogeneous attenuation was common, with specific patterns of contrast enhancement observed, particularly central enhancement after bolus contrast administration.
Conclusions:
- Mediastinal hemangioma should be included in the differential diagnosis for well-defined mediastinal masses.
- Key imaging indicators include heterogeneous attenuation, central enhancement post-contrast, and calcifications.
Purpose:
To characterize the imaging features of mediastinal hemangioma.
Materials And Methods:
The authors retrospectively reviewed chest radiographs and computed tomographic (CT) scans from 14 patients with mediastinal hemangioma.
Results:
Most mediastinal hemangiomas manifested as well-marginated masses at CT. Three masses had punctate calcifications, and one had phleboliths. Five masses were of heterogeneous attenuation at unenhanced CT. Ten of 11 (91%) hemangiomas were of heterogeneous attenuation at contrast material-enhanced CT, and the following four patterns were observed: central (n = 6, 60%), mixed central and peripheral (n = 2, 20%), peripheral (n = 1, 10%), and nonspecific (n = 1, 10%) increased attenuation. Central increased attenuation was observed more frequently after administration of a bolus of contrast material than after slow infusion.
Conclusion:
Hemangiomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of well-marginated mediastinal masses that have heterogeneous attenuation on CT scans, show central enhancement after administration of contrast material or contain punctate calcification.