[Value of mediastinoscopy versus thoracic CT for prediction of mediastinal tumor lymph nodes].

The value of mediastinoscopic staging in bronchial carcinoma is evaluated controversially. The literature gives a wide range of specificity of CT scans, varying from 30%-100% and 29%-95%, respectively [1, 2, 3]. We have reviewed a consecutive series of 182 patients who underwent a high-resolution mediastinal CT scan followed by mediastinoscopy (MS) because of pulmonary or mediastinal disease. The specificity of CT versus MS revealed 32% versus 100% and the sensitivity 47% versus 74%. Although we have observed complications and a limited histological prediction in the MS within the paratracheal area on the left side, we continue to recommend a standard staging MS, taking this area into careful consideration.