Comparative Evaluation Of Posterior Mediastinal Lesions

Abstract

Background: Posterior mediastinal lesions manifest with a variety of diseases ranging from benign neurogenic tumors to malignancies like lymphomas and esophageal tumors. Accurate diagnosis and differentiation between benign and malignant lesions are of crucial significance to plan proper treatment. In this study, an evaluation was conducted concerning imaging features of posterior mediastinal lesions and histopathological correlations.

Methodology: This future, observational research was conducted for 18 months at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Hospital. 42 patients who were suspected to have posterior mediastinal lesions underwent chest radiographs, barium swallow, CT scan, and MRI. The findings were compared with histopathological findings. Statistical analysis including sensitivity, specificity, and correlation with histopathology was performed by chi-square tests.

Results: The study found malignancy to be higher in patients aged 61-80 years, and certain symptoms such as pain, lump in the abdomen, and hoarseness of voice were highly correlated with malignancy. Imaging features such as margins of the mass, erosion of rib/sternum, and lymphadenopathy were highly correlated with malignancy. Features like heterogeneous enhancement, irregular lesion morphology, and involvement of adjacent structures on CT/MRI scans suggested malignant lesions. Barium swallow findings like infiltrative and lobulated patterns also seen with malignancy.

Conclusion: Clinical history, imaging features, and histopathology all contribute to the accurate diagnosis of posterior mediastinal lesions. Some symptoms and imaging findings, such as irregular margins, lymphadenopathy, and heterogeneous enhancement, are crucial in distinguishing malignant from benign lesions.