Diagnostic Carbon Dioxide Pneumomediastinography as an Extension of Scalene-Lymph-Node Biopsy

Abstract

THE delineation of the normal structures and pathologic processes within the mediastinum is one of the most difficult aspects of chest roentgenology. The anatomic complexity of the mediastinal contents and their similar radiologic densities preclude precise x-ray visualization. Barium esophagography,^{1 , 2} overpenetrated films^{3 , 4} and vertical and horizontal laminagraphy,⁵ as well as the complicated contrast technics of angiocardiography and opacification of the azygos vein and superior vena cava,^{6 , 7} are widely employed to improve the radiologic study of the mediastinal structures.Theoretically, the introduction of gas as a contrast material into the various soft-tissue planes of the mediastinum, pneumomediastinography, should be the ideal . . .