[Contrast-enhanced MSCT features and predominant anatomic distribution of mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis].

We retrospectively analyzed the features of the size, morphology, attenuation, the enhancement patterns, and anatomic distribution of 45 patients with mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis shown on contrast-enhanced multislice spiral CT (MSCT). 80% of the patients showed peripheral enhancement, and 38% of them showed multilocular appearance. deltaCT (The CT on enhanced scan minus that on the unenhanced scan) in the central area (15 +/- 12) HU was less than that in the peripheral area (27 +/- 16) HU (P < 0.01). The enlarged lymph nodes were predominantly distributed in the regions of 4R (87%), 2R (76%), 7 (73%), 10R (62%), and 4L (51%). MSCT could reveal the enhancement patterns and predominant anatomic distribution, which was of great value for the diagnosis of mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis.