MRI and tumors of the mediastinum. Correlation with CT x-ray

This correlative study concerns the investigation of 22 mediastinal tumors by MRI and CT, subsequently verified by biopsies or surgery. It allows us to better define the technical aspects in the realization of MRI, including an assessment of the use of ECG gating. It also permits an appreciation of the respective performances of these 2 imaging methods: there is a good correlation between the two technics for both the positive and etiologic diagnosis of mediastinal tumors: in etiologic diagnosis, the same limitations were encountered with the two technics. However, MRI offers some advantages in the evaluation of tumoral extension. So, we suggest once a mediastinal mass has been shown using plain films, when available, MRI alone should be performed.