Regarding fibrosing mediastinitis,
1. Commonly produces compression of the mediastinal structures
2. Associated pleural or pulmonary changes are common
3. Associated with histoplasmosis
4. Diffuse type is more common than focal type
5. Focal type commonly calcifies
Answers: T, T, T, F, T
Notes:
Fibrosing mediastinitis is a rare condition causing excessive fibrous tissue deposition. The etiology is often unknown. About 90% have compression of the medastinal structures, the most common being compression of the SVC and/or pulmonary artery. About 67% have pleural or pulmonary changes. Localised fibrosing mediatinitis has been associated with histoplasmosis.
2 patterns are recognised: focal and diffuse. Focal pattern is seen in 82% and is frequently calcified (63%). Diffuse form is diffusely infiltrating, noncalcified mass.
References:
1. Devraj A et al. Clinical Radiology. Volume 62, Pages 781-786
2. Rossi S E et al. Fibrosing mediastinitis. Radiographics. 2001;21:737-757.)
