The Diagnosis of Cystic Lymphangioma of the Mediastinum on Radiography and CT

Objective To investigate the diagnosis of cysic lymphangioma of the mediastinum with radiography and CT scan.Methods A retrospective study of chest radiography(n=10)and CT (n=8)findings of pathological proved mediastinal lymphagioma was performed.Results Patients were subdivided into neck-mediastinal typs(n=3)and mediastinal typs(n=7)according the location of the mass.Seven of the masses were located in the anterior mediastinum,Two of the masses were located in the posterior mediastinum,one extended directly from the entirely mediastinum to adjacent thoracic cavity.Eight of the masses were located primarily in the saperior mediastinum or thoracic inlet.The most common radiographic appearance was mediastinal mass with a smooth margin without displacemet of mediastinum.The findings of CT was a well circumscribed cystic lesions without invasive characteristics.Cystic masses(n=3)of the neck was linked with the mediastinal mass.Conclusion The cystic lymphangioma of the mediastinum are located predominantly in the anterior and superior mediastinum.The typs of the neck-mediastinal lymphangioma can be diagnosted depending on the signs and imaging findings.The diagnosis of simple cystic lymphangioma of the mediastinum may be difficults,Other systic masses that must be considered in the differential diagnosis.