Real-time sonography of mediastinal and juxtamediastinal masses in infants and children.

Real-time sonography was used to evaluate 10 patients (age range, 2 days to 10 years) with mediastinal and juxtamediastinal masses. Seven of these also had computed tomography (CT). In eight patients sonography provided sufficient information with regard to probable diagnosis and adequate clinical management. CT was more helpful in two older children with postoperative seromas. Sonography is recommended as the imaging method of choice in neonates and in infants whose chest radiographs show mediastinal or juxtamediastinal masses. CT should be reserved for complex cases, and is of more value in older children.