CT and PET/CT Findings of Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Mediastinum(6 Cases)

Objective To investigate the CT and PET/CT findings of neuroendocrine carcinoma in mediastinum,and to improve diagnostic accuracy.Methods CT and PET/CT findings of 6 patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma in mediastinum confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Results Of the 6 cases,3 were located in front middle mediastinum,2 in front middle posterior mediastinum,1 in middle mediastinum.5 lesions had heterogeneous density with large area of necrosis on CT images,1 lesion had homogeneous density.Scattered punctate calcifications were found in 3 lesions.The solid portion of the lesions had heterogeneous moderate enhancement(n= 5) or marked enhancement(n= 1) on enhanced CT images.All tumors had compressed or invaded the adjacent mediastinal structure.One patient had PET/CT examination,and the SUVmax of the mass was 12.5.Conclusion Mediastinal neuroendocrine carcinoma has the malignant signs on CT and PET/CT images.A large tumor located in front middle mediastinum,with scattered punctate calcifications,compress or invade the adjacent mediastinal tissue,should be considered the possibility of mediastinal neuroendocrine carcinoma.