[Computer tomography examination of the diaphragmatic pillars. Value during the study of the postero-inferior mediastinum (author's transl)].

The authors review the results of 100 computer tomography examinations of the normal thoraco-abdominal region and define the radiological anatomy of the posterior submediastinal space limited by the pillars of the diaphragm, which can almost always be investigated by computer tomography. Study of this posterior submediastinal space in 276 cases, by means of a strictly defined procedure, was used to illustrate the elementary signs encountered: effacement of the pillars, loose appearance of the pillars with absence of the median arcate ligament, presence of an abnormally sized structure in the middle of the space. The main indications for computer tomography examination of this region are for diagnosis of an opaque tumor of the postero-inferior mediastinum, and the investigation of extensions of bronchial cancers, regionally located neoplasms and lymphomas.