Evaluation of complex mediastinal masses by magnetic resonance imaging

MRI was used to diagnose a mediastinal mass in a elderly patient with previous repair of aortic coarctation. MRI excluded aneurysm by demonstrating a homogeneous mass encasing aorta and the bypass graft. A second thoracotomy was avoided. Moreover, outpatient testing was performed, without exposure to contrast agents, ionizing radiation, or an invasive procedure.