The Accuracy of Ultrasonography in Compared with Computed Tomography in Detection of Anterior Mediastinal Neoplasms

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of mediastinal sonography, and compared with CT, in detection of anterior mediastinal neoplasms. Materials and Methods The sonography with convex probes (5.0 and 7.5 MHz) was done prospectively for 34 patients (from 2 to 25 years old) with mediastinal mass. The results were compared with the results of contrast computed tomogphy. Results Standard protocol of mediastinal ultrasonography showed a high diagnostic accuracy. In our study the sensitivity of ultrasonography in detection of anterior mediastinal adenopathies in compared with CT was 84.6% (CI95% 65.2-100). Its specificity, PPV and NPV were 90.5% (CI95% 77-100), 84.6% and 90.5%, respectively. Conclusion Trasonography may have a good role in detection of anterior mediastinal adenopathies, so that, it may be used to complement CT, and allowing a reduction of frequency of in patients.