Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Journal
Mediastinum
Abstract
Background and objective: There are several benign processes that affect the mediastinum with considerable morbidity that may range from reactive entities to neoplastic disorders. This review article will focus on non-neoplastic benign mediastinal diseases which include large vessel vasculitis such as Takayasu and giant cell arteritis, mediastinal granulomas, fibrosing mediastinitis and mediastinal infections. These diseases can cause significant morbidity and mortality; therefore, we aim to familiarize readers with the pathophysiology, epidemiology and diagnosis of these mediastinal diseases and provide an update on the treatment options available.
Methods: We searched various databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar from August 2023 until January 2024 for the various benign mediastinal disorders we wanted to discuss. Relevant articles that were written in English were shortlisted and used to help write this narrative review.
Key content and findings: We will briefly discuss the anatomy of the mediastinum along with some of the more common benign mediastinal disorders. We will discuss epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, and treatment. Relevant laboratory, and imaging findings important to make the diagnosis will be included as well.
Conclusions: Prompt diagnosis of these diseases is of the utmost importance as delay in care may be associated with increased mortality. Our article aims to provide an up-to-date review and summarize the current literature regarding these diseases.
Keywords
Mediastinum, vasculitis, infection, mediastinitis
DOI
10.21037/med-24-14
PMID
39781202
PMCID
PMC11707444
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
9-25-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes