BackgroundMultiple different types of mediastinal masses may be encountered on imaging techniques in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients. The location and composition of these lesions are critical to narrowing the differential diagnosis.MethodsRadiological compartmentalisation of the mediastinum helps in focusing the diagnosis of masses on the basis of their site. Some diseases, however, do not occur exclusively in any specific compartment and can spread from one compartment to another.ResultsTissular components of the mass, the degree of vascularisation and the relationships with mediastinal structures assessed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are a leading edge of the radiological diagnosis. Special applications at MRI have been developed over the recent years in order to identify accurately tissular components of the mediastinal masses. The likelihood of malignancy of the mediastinal masses is influenced by the symptomatology and the age of the patient. This article reviews the most commonly encountered mediastinal masses considering clinical history and manifestations, anatomical position and certain details seen on different imaging modalities that allow correct diagnosis in many cases.ConclusionFamiliarity with the radiological features of mediastinal masses facilitates accurate diagnosis, differentiation from other mediastinic processes and, thus, optimal patient treatment.Teaching Points• CT and MRI are important for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses.• The location and tissue characteristics on imaging studies are critical to narrow down the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses.• Symptomatology and patient age affect the likelihood of malignancy.
The effects of training on dynamic hyperinflation in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were investigated by using a controlled study of 28 subjects with FEV(1) = 42.5 (8.3 SD)%pred and 20 matched controls [FEV(1) = 44.9 (10.4)%pred]. Training consisted of spending 45 min/day, 4 days/week on a cycle-ergometer for six weeks. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), lung volumes, and two constant-work-rate (CWR) exercise tests (low- and high-intensity) were performed. Significant (p < 0.0l) improvements in the training group were observed in MIP [+8 (12) cmH(2)O], MEP [+18 (20) cmH(2)O], and endurance to high-intensity CWR [+7(5) min], and there were significant decreases in respiratory rate and end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) during both exercise tests. At 5 min, EELV decreased 0.1(0.08) L and 0.31(0.13) L and at end of exercise, EELV decreased by 0.09(0.07) L and 0.15(0.11) L respectively, for the moderate- and high-intensity tests. Dyspnea also decreased significantly at both exercise intensities. No changes were observed in the control group. Increased endurance showed independent significant (p < 0.05) correlation with changes in EELV, leg fatigue, and MEP. EELV changes showed a significant negative correlation with resting inspiratory capacity. We conclude that exercise training has beneficial effects on respiratory pattern and dynamic hyperinflation that may partially explain the reduction in dyspnea and the improvement in exercise tolerance.
LVNC is a cardiac disease of emerging importance, and imaging has a key role in its diagnosis. Accordingly, radiologists should be familiar with LVNC imaging findings to realize an accurate diagnosis.
Advances in immunotherapy have changed the therapeutic landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), extending overall survival over standard chemotherapy. However, by removing the protection against autoimmunity, immunotherapy can increase immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In addition, new patterns of radiological response have been observed in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We report the case of a 77 year-old patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, who presented three consecutive different irAEs (nephritis, hepatitis, and pneumonitis) and an atypical radiological response (partial response, dissociated response, and “disease flare”) in relation to treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab. The role of ICIs in elderly patients, the incidence of consecutive irAEs, and the new patterns of radiological response, are also reviewed.
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