Purpose: To evaluate computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of posterior mediastinal ganglioneuromas.
Materials and methods: Of 14 pathologically confirmed ganglioneuromas seen in 13 patients, 13 were evaluated by CT images with and without contrast, 11 were evaluated with conventional spin-echo MR images, and 5 were evaluated with contrast-enhanced MR examination. The morphologic features, attenuation, signal intensity, and dynamic enhancement pattern of the neoplasms were evaluated.
Results: All lesions were identified as a well-demarcated oval and/or lobular mass. CT attenuation was predominantly low. Calcification on CT scan was seen in 38% of the cases. Whorled appearance (42%) and tailed-shaped edge (14%) were seen on both CT and MR images. Fat components (29%) observed histologically were also detected in tumors on CT and MR images. MR signal intensity in the lesions was mainly low on T1-weighted images and high on T2-weighted images. Contrast enhancement of the tumors was poor in 46% on dynamic CT study. In all 5 contrast-enhanced MR examinations, all lesions were enhanced.
Conclusions: The characteristic findings of posterior mediastinal ganglioneuromas are a craniocaudally oblong-shaped mass, calcification, whorled appearance, tail-like extension, and fat component. Poor enhancement on dynamic CT studies is commonly observed.