Mediastinal pseudotumors in cirrhosis. Diagnostic value of nuclear magnetic resonance in 3 cases
Guivarch, P.; Buffet, C.; Roche, A.; Cauquil, P.; Etienne, J.P.
Gastroenterologie Clinique et Biologique 11(4): 333-337
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0399-8320 PMID: 3582888 Document Number: 304076
We report 3 cases of mediastinal pseudotumours in cirrhotic patients. In the 3 cases, plain chest X-ray showed regular homogeneous radiolucency superposed on cardiac shadow. Computerized tomography bolus injection, performed in 2 cases, was poorly contributive in one case. On the other hand, magnetic resonance imaging ensured the diagnosis in all 3 patients showing significant dilatation of the azygos vein and prominent esophageal varices connected with spontaneous abdominal portacaval shunts. These vascular mediastinal structures were well documented by frontal and sagittal spin echoes. Knowledge of such neovascular mediastinal pseudotumours may prevent the use of invasive investigations such as direct puncture or thoracotomy.