[Lesions of the visceral mediastinum].

BACKGROUND

The visceral or middle mediastinum contains nonvascular (trachea, carina, esophagus, and lymph nodes) and vascular structures (heart, ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, superior vena cava, intrapericardial pulmonary arteries, thoracic duct).

OBJECTIVES

The various pathologies of the visceral mediastinum and imaging features are presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plain film radiography shows the gross anatomy and allows visualization of larger pathologies. However, for detailed anatomic and structural classification more sophisticated imaging techniques are required. Especially computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) are well suited for structural and functional assessment of mediastinal lesions.

CONCLUSION

This article summarizes the major pathologies of the visceral mediastinum.