Imaging of Thoracic Neurogenic Tumors

Abstract

This article illustrates the complex anatomy of the nervous system within the chest and details important epidemiologic and pathophysiologic features as an approach to neurogenic tumors of the thorax. Key imaging features of neurogenic tumors occurring in the chest are identified, focusing on distinguishing characteristics and the relative advantages of available imaging modalities to further refine a differential diagnosis.

Massive thoracic ganglioneuroma with significant mass effect on left hemithorax

“…There are very few cases of TGs in the literature. TGs are benign entities and are generally discovered as incidental findings 5. However, as evidenced by this case, they are capable of growing to impressive sizes and becoming symptomatic, manifested by pain and compression of adjacent organs.…”

MRI Findings of Intercostal Schwannoma: A Case Report

“…On contrast-enhanced CT, the attenuation of the mass is equal to or slightly greater than that of muscle (2). When the mass is small, the mass may show homogeneous enhancement, while larger schwannomas can contain nonenhancing area and show more heterogeneous enhancement due to cystic and hemorrhagic changes (2,5).…”

“…On gadolinium-enhanced imaging, schwannomas show intense enhancement of solid components (2,5). The larger the schwan- …”

“…They are almost invariably slow-growing nonaggressive neoplasms and usually manifest clinically as a painless mass without neurologic symptoms (4). Radiologically, they are well-marginated soft-tissue mass with contrast enhancement, and may contain areas of fat or cystic degeneration (5). Herein, we present a case of intercostal schwannoma with imaging findings of various modalities involving typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and discuss the clinical and radiographic manifestations.…”

From manual to robotic video-assisted resection of posterior mediastinal masses

“…The lesions that origin from sympathetic ganglia are neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma and ganglioneuroblastoma. Finally, neurogenic tumors can rarely origin from parasympathetic ganglia like paraganglioma (3,7,8).…”