Evaluation of lung and mediastinal masses by computed tomography with histopathological correlation

Abstract

Aim: To study the computed tomographic characteristics of Lung and Mediastinal masses in plain and contrast enhanced scans. Material and methods: A total of 50 cases were used in this study to assess the efficacy of computed tomography in the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal diseases. Before the CT scan, a thorough clinical history and examination were performed. The distribution, CT features of the lung and mediastinal mass, as well as the involvement of adjoining tissues, were all assessed in all cases sent for CT. Results: The maximum number of cases occurred above 60th decade. Lung and Mediastinal lesions occurred more commonly in males. In this study among mediastinal masses, the anterior mediastinum was the most common compartment to be involved with 41% involvement followed by superior mediastinum (25%) and then middle and posterior mediastinum (16.6% each) and lung mass was found in upper lobe of left lung (42%) followed by upper lobe of right lung (31%) and then lower lobes of both lungs (23%). Neurogenic tumors, metastatic lymphadenopathy, teratoma were the most common lesions in posterior, middle and anterior mediastinum respectively. Cough was the most common presenting symptom (86% of cases). The CECT diagnosis of lung and mediastinal masses corroborate with histopathology in 45 cases (90%). Conclusion: In terms of the distribution pattern, benign and malignant characterization, and mass effect on surrounding structures, computed tomography played an important role in the evaluation of a lung and mediastinal masses.