The value of computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of pediatric mediastinal abnormalities.

The utility of computed tomography (CT) in evaluation of mediastinal abnormalities was assessed in 23 pediatric patients. By comparison with standard chest radiography, CT provided additional diagnostic information in 82% of the patients. In 65%, the CT findings contributed to a change in clinical management. CT was most useful in documenting a benign process (near-water-density mass or a normal vascular or soft-tissue structure) and in demonstrating the full extent of a malignant tumor.