Causes of a widened mediastinum: a pictorial review

Abstract

A widened mediastinum is a common finding on the plain chest radiograph. It is often encountered in the acute setting, where correct interpretation is essential to guide immediate management.

Mediastinal lipomatosis as a cause of low voltage complexes on electrocardiogram and widened mediastinum: A case report

“…Mediastinal lipomatosis is a benign condition characterized by deposition of adipose tissue in the mediastinum. Mediastinal widening due to unusual amounts of fat accumulations is reported in the literature, which most often occurs with simple obesity, not associated with iatrogenic or primary steroid excess states [ 1 , 2 ]. Other causes of mediastinal widening include aortic dissection, lymphoma, thymoma, esophageal rupture, trauma or hemorrhage, and mediastinitis [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…Most of these diseases have grave prognosis if accompanied by chest pain, and require immediate attention. However, mediastinal lipomatosis is a very benign condition caused by deposition of adipose tissue in the mediastinum [ 1 , 2 ].…”

Widened mediastinum at elderly: a challenge in the emergency room (ER)

“…Vascular causes of mediastinal widening can be differentiated from non-vascular causes such as lymph node enlargement by the recognition of a smooth vascular contour and the continuation of this contour with known vascular structures such as the aorta or the subclavian arteries. 8 The concept of "ageing aorta" is novel. It is a single duct that carries an average of about 200 million litres of blood through the body during a person's lifetime.…”