Imaging the Mediastinum

Question 1

2 main imaging modalities of the mediastinum

Answer 1

X-ray

CT (can have lung and mediastinal windows)

Question 2

Cardiothoracic Ratio

Answer 2

Heart should be less than 50% the width of the thoracic cavity

Question 3

Which upper lobe bronchus is more superior than the other on a lateral radiograph

Answer 3

The right is more superior than the left

Question 4

3 different ways to define mediastinal compartments

Answer 4

Anatomic
Surgical
Radiological

Question 5

Anatomic vs radiologic mediastinal compartments

Answer 5

Anatomic: Superior and inferior (anterior, middle, posterior)
Radiologic: anterior (thymus and heart), middle (between heart and vertebral bodies), posterior (vertebral bodies and neural structures) (from front to back)

Question 6

4 things anterior mediastinal masses could be

Answer 6

Thymoma
Reterosternal goiter
Teratoma
Lymphoma

Question 7

How can air get into the mediastinum

Answer 7

Stab wound
Tear in esophagus
Barotrauma
Pneumothorax
ETC