Imaging of thoracoabdominal masses: the difficulty of compartmentalization.

Over the past 3 years we have encountered eight cases of masses in the thoracoabdominal junction or paradiaphragmatic region. To determine exact compartmentalization of the tumors prior to treatment, a detailed imaging evaluation, including conventional radiography, ultrasound, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, was conducted. Despite these extensive examinations, we erred in three cases with regard to the compartmental limitation of the tumors. The imaging picture of para- or transdiaphragmatic penetration of masses can be very misleading and is at times resolved only at surgery.