Primary mediastinal large-B-cell lymphoma typically presents as a bulky anterior mediastinal mass, with areas of fluid attenuation on CT in 50% of cases and positive gallium scintigraphy in 100%.
Observational (n=43)
What are the characteristic radiologic findings at presentation in patients with primary mediastinal large-B-cell lymphoma?
Primary mediastinal large-B-cell lymphoma typically presents on imaging as a bulky anterior mediastinal mass that frequently contains areas of necrosis and is associated with pleural or pericardial effusions.
OBJECTIVE: Primary mediastinal large-B-cell lymphoma was recently reclassified as a distinct clinical entity. We wished to review the imaging findings for this disease and to compare the findings with those for other disorders with a similar appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed plain films, gallium scintigrams, MR images, and CT scans for 43 patients with primary mediastinal large-B-cell lymphoma. RESULTS: All but one lesion arose in the anterior mediastinum. Areas of fluid attenuation within the masses were evident on CT scans in 50% of cases. Pleural effusions were seen by chest radiography in 33% of patients. Pericardial effusions were present in 32% of patients who underwent CT scans. Of the 21 patients who underwent gallium scintigraphy, all were reported to have positive findings. Also, MR imaging showed evidence of superior vena cava syndrome in one patient. CONCLUSION: Primary mediastinal large-B-cell lymphoma typically is seen as a bulky anterior mediastinal mass that often contains areas of necrosis.
Shaffer et al. (Thu,) conducted a observational in Primary mediastinal large-B-cell lymphoma (n=43). Radiologic imaging was evaluated on Radiologic findings at presentation. Primary mediastinal large-B-cell lymphoma typically presents as a bulky anterior mediastinal mass, with areas of fluid attenuation on CT in 50% of cases and positive gallium scintigraphy in 100%.