CT and MR findings in tuberculous mediastinitis.
OBJECTIVE: Tuberculous mediastinitis, a rare complication of pulmonary tuberculosis, may simulate a mediastinal tumor on chest radiography. For evaluation and follow-up of the disease, CT and MRI are needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cases of tuberculous mediastinitis are presented with emphasis on the importance of MRI. In both cases, MRI was performed because the CT appearance was unusual for a mediastinal tumor. RESULTS: The areas of low signal intensity within the anterior mediastinal mass on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging were due to the reactive fibrous tissue and were suggestive of an inflammatory mass. CONCLUSION: When a mediastinal mass would be unusual on CT, MRI should be performed. If there are areas of low signal intensity within the mass on both T1- and T2-weighted imaging, an inflammatory mass such as tuberculous mediastinitis, is one of the possibilities.