Lymph Node Groups Mediastinal lymph nodes are generally classified by location. Most descriptive systems are based on a modification of Rouvière’s classification of lymph node groups. The names used in describing lymph nodes groups for the purpose of lung cancer staging may differ and are reviewed in Table 4.1 . TABLE 4.1 Relationship of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Lymph Node Zones…

Aortic Abnormalities Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to diagnose abnormalities of the aorta or its branches when they are suspected clinically or because of radiographic abnormalities. Congenital Anomalies Congenital abnormalities of the aorta and its branches are readily diagnosed with CT, and no other study is usually needed unless the anomaly is complex or is associated with congenital heart disease. Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery Aberrant…

Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used in patients suspected of having a mediastinal mass or vascular abnormality (e.g., an aortic aneurysm). In general, CT is performed in two situations. First, in patients with a mediastinal abnormality visible on plain radiographs, CT is almost always the preferred imaging procedure. CT is used to confirm the presence of a significant lesion, determine its location and relationship to vascular…

S piral (helical) computed tomography (CT) allows the entire chest to be imaged in a few seconds or less (i.e., during a single breath hold), with volumetric acquisition of scan data. Two- and three-dimensional reformations may be performed if desired. Because scanning is rapid, contrast agents can be injected quickly, excellent vascular opacification can be achieved, and reduced volumes of contrast agent can be used. Multidetector…