CT diagnosis of mediastinal diseases

Thirtyone cases of mediastinal tumor studied by CT were reviewed and examined primarily with respect to differential diagnosis. Heitzman's mediastinal classification was practical in considering the site of occurrence and mode of growth and extension of tumors. The disappearance or existence of the surrounding adipose layer and irregularity of the outline of tumors were not useful for the differential diagnosis of a benign or malignant tumor. However, examination of the uniformity of the internal structure by contrast enhancement was useful. (chiba, n.)