Test Findings
 

Mediastinal Widening

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Overview

    • Look For

    • The mediastinal contour measuring more than 8cm at the level of the aortic arch.
  • Note that the mediastinum will be artificially widened on an AP film, and this should only be assessed on a PA film.

    • Causes of Mediastinal Widening

    • Lymphadenopathy - infection, sarcoidosis, malignancy
    • Mediastinal tumour - lymphoma, thymoma, metastasis
    • Vascular pathology - thoracic aortic aneurysm, tortuosity of the aorta, aortic rupture
    • Pneumomediastinum
    • Retrosternal goitre
    • Hiatus hernia
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