CT AND MR IMAGING OF MEDIASTINAL HEMANGIOMAS

We describe the CT findings in two cases of mediastinal hemangioma. In one, contrast enhanced CT demonstrated peripheral puddles of contrast medium within the mass, similar to the findings seen in cavernous hemangiomas of the liver. In the other case magnetic resonance (MR) was performed; the mass had an intraspinal component and was hypointense on T1-weighted sequences and hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences; imaging features were similar to those of neurogenic tumors. Although they have a nonspecific appearance on MR, these tumors may demonstrate characteristic contrast enhancement features on CT. Hence, hemangiomas of the mediastinum, although rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis of enhancing mediastinal masses. © 1988 Raven Press, Ltd., New York.