Radiograph of Chest, G1.23, Anatomy, Thorax, Thoracic Contents

Radiograph of Chest, G1.23, Anatomy, Thorax, Thoracic Contents

Widening Mediastinum (> 8cm on PA CXR)

• aortic aneurysm

• aortic dissection

• hilar lymphadenopathy 

• inhalational anthrax. A widened mediastinum was found in 7 of the first 10 victims infected by anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) in 2001.

• esophageal rupture - presents usually with pneumomediastinum and pleural effusion. It is diagnosed with water soluable swallowed contrast.

• mediastinal mass

• cardiac tamponade

• pericardial effusion

• thoracic vertebrae fractures in trauma patients.

Trauma Post head-on collusion MVA -  bleeding into the Mediastinum after 

Laceration of the Large Vessels such as the Aorta or the SVC

Lymphoma enlarges the Mediastinal Lymph nodes

Cardiac hypertrophy widens the Inferior Mediastinum