ROLE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN EVALUATION OF MEDIASTINAL MASSES

Mediastinal masses span a wide histopathological and radiological spectrum, comprising of tumours (benign to extremely malignant), cysts, and lymph node masses. Present study was conducted to assess utility of CT scan in distinguishing between the different types of mediastinal masses, to illustrate diagnostic CT features and its association with histopathology ndings.30 cases referred to the radiodiagnosis department with clinically suspected mediastinal masses at Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College and Hospital, Latur were included over a one-year period (Feb 2021-Jan 2022). Majority cases were males (76.7%), with 31-45 years' age group being commonest (33.33%). In our study, anterior mediastinum was the most commonly involved compartment (n=17, 56.7%), followed by posterior mediastinum (n=7, 23.3%) and middle as well as superior mediastiunum (n=3, 13.3%) each.In the study, thymoma (n=5,29.4%) ,Ca. Esophagus(n=2,66.66%), Schwannoma (n=3,42.8%) and Ca Thyroid (n=2,66.66%) were the most common mediastinal masses in the anterior,middle, posterior and superior mediastinal compartments respectively. Majority masses were welldened (70%), hypodense (86.7%) showing moderate (86.7%) and heterogenous contrast-enhancement (83.3%). All lesions were soft tissue attenuating. However, other attenuations like Calcication (33.3%), Fluid (26.7%) and Fat (10%) were also seen.were also seen.In 93.4% cases, CT diagnosis matched with histopathology. MDCT scan plays a substantial role in the evaluation of mediastinal pathology, regarding diagnosis, distribution pattern and mass effect on adjacent structures