[Computer tomographic characteristics of space-occupying processes in the anterior mediastinum and their differential diagnosis (author's transl)].

Histological diagnosis of space-occupying lesions in the anterior mediastinum is rarely possible using conventional radiological diagnoses; computer tomography in our opinion often makes this possible. Our experience is based on 47 tumours which have been investigated histologically. In the anterior upper or middle mediastinum there were thymic tumours (thymona, thymus hyperplasia or persistence of the thymus), retrosternal thyroids, malignant lymphomas, teratoid cysts, one seminoma and one aneurysm. In the anterior inferior mediastinum, we found pericardial cysts, lipomas and one Morgagni hernia. The computer tomographic features of these various lesions are described. Some tumours can be defined histologically by computer tomography alone, whereas others (e.g. solitary lymphoma, benign thymoma) make it necessary to consider the clinical features in addition. Computer tomography is particularly valuable in the diagnosis of persistence of the thymus, since standard radiography in two planes fails to show the lesion.