What Causes Mediastinal Masses?

Discussion The mediastinum resides in the chest and is the space bounded by the thoracic inlet cephalically, diaphragm caudally, sternum anteriorly and transverse process of the spine posteriorly, and mediastinal pleura and lungs laterally. It is divided into various compartments: Superior mediastinum Bounded by the thoracic inlet cephalically and a horizontal plane passing from the manubriosternal joint to the junction of T4/T5 vertebrae horizontally. Structures include: esophagus, trachea, parts of great vessels and first branches, great veins and initial branches, thymus, vagus, phrenic and other nerves, thoracic duct and lymph nodes Inferior mediastinum Bounded by the superior mediastinal compartment to the diaphragm caudally. It is divided into 3 main compartments anterior to posterior Anterior (prevascular) compartment from the sternum to anterior heart border posteriorly. Structures include: thymus, lymph nodes and fat Medial (visceral) compartment from the anterior compartment to 1 cm before the spinal vertebral body. Structures include: heart, parts of great vessels, pericardium, trachea and main bronchi, lymph nodes and phrenic nerve Posterior (paravertebral) compartment from 1 cm before the spinal vertebral body through the chest to the transverse processes of the vertebral body. Structures include: some parts of vessels including descending aorta, azygous and hemiazygous veins, esophagus, thoracic duct, vagus and autonomic nerves Hodgkin’s lymphom...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news