Malignant primary germ cell tumors of the mediastinum: CT features

We describe the clinical, pathological, and imaging findings of mediastinal tumors with focus on thymic hyperplasia, thymic epithelial tumors, and germ cell tumors, malignant lymphoma, and various cystic masses. Chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in characterization of the normal thymus and differentiation of hyperplastic thymus and thymic tumors. In contrast to noninvasive thymomas, invasive thymomas and thymic carcinomas show a more aggressive growth pattern. Local invasion and pleural spread are characteristic of invasive thymoma and mediastinal lymphadenopathy and distant metastasis suggest thymic carcinomas. Mature teratoma typically shows various computed tomography (CT) attenuation, and MR signal intensity depending on its contents and fat tissue and bone within the lesions are its characteristic findings. Seminomas typically have homogenous internal CT attenuation and MR signal intensity with minimal contrast enhancement. Nonseminomatous malignant germ cell tumors characteristically show prominent internal degenerative changes and invasion to the adjacent structures. In mediastinal lymphomas, a residual mass is common after treatment and MRI provides important information in distinguishing viable tumors from residual benign masses. Some mediastinal cysts may reveal high attenuation similar to solid lesions on CT depending on their contents and MRI can be useful in the differentiation of cystic masses from solid lesions.

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“…Areas of degeneration due to hemorrhage and coagulation necrosis may present but are usually limited (49,50) (Fig. 11).…”

Section: Seminomamentioning

confidence: 99%

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of mediastinal tumors

Takahashi¹,

Al-Janabi²

2010

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

165

125

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“…When a heterogeneous prevascular mediastinal mass is present with lung metastases in men below the age of 40 years, NSGCTs should be included in the differential diagnosis (23,53) (Fig 10b). Approximately 90% of patients present with markedly elevated serum levels of a-FP or b-HCG, which is often highly suggestive of the disease (54,55).…”

Section: Lesions Identifiable With a Combination Of Imaging And Clinimentioning

confidence: 99%

ITMIG Classification of Mediastinal Compartments and Multidisciplinary Approach to Mediastinal Masses

et al. 2017

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“…Radiologiquement, au scanner, on décrit le plus souvent des masses médiastinales antérieures de grande taille (fi g. 5), partiellement hémorragiques, nécrosées ou kystiques, envahissant les structures adjacentes et métastatisant facilement à distance, notamment sous la forme d'épanchements pleuraux et péricardiques (55).…”

Section: Tumeurs Malignes Non Séminomateusesunclassified

Tumeurs médiastinales

Peters

2011

Oncologie Thoracique

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Malignant primary germ cell tumors of the mediastinum: CT features

Cited by 66 publications

References 5 publications

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of mediastinal tumors

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of mediastinal tumors

ITMIG Classification of Mediastinal Compartments and Multidisciplinary Approach to Mediastinal Masses

Tumeurs médiastinales

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