Objective:

To investigate the CT imaging features of cavernous hemangioma of the mediastinum (CHM) and to improve its diagnosis accuracy.

Methods:

The CT imaging features of 11 patients with CHM were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:

The location of 11 cases with CHM was as following: 7 cases were in the anterior mediastinum

3 cases in the posterior

and 1 case involved both middle and posterior mediastinum; Most were in the upper mediastinum (10 cases). The average size was 23 mm (range 10-69 mm). Eight cases were oval-shaped or round

3 cases lobulated. Phlebolith was identified in 2 cases. After contrast-enhanced CT scan

mild inhomogeneous enhancement was found in 7 cases

moderate inhomogeneous enhancement in 4 case

s

significant inhomogeneous enhancement only in 1 case. The nodular enhancement was identified in 9 cases. Aberrant veins originating from the left brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava were found in 2 cases.

Conclusion:

CHM involved the anterior mediastinum is more frequent than the posterior mediastinum

and most are in the upper mediastinum. Phlebolith

the nodular enhancement

and aberrant veins in the lesion are the characteristic CT findings. Contrast-enhanced CT scan is helpful for the diagnosis of CHM.