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Imaging evaluation of the pediatric mediastinum: new International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group classification system for children

  • Thoracic imaging
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Abstract

Mediastinal masses are commonly identified in the pediatric population with cross-sectional imaging central to the diagnosis and management of these lesions. With greater anatomical definition afforded by cross-sectional imaging, classification of mediastinal masses into the traditional anterior, middle and posterior mediastinal compartments — as based on the lateral chest radiograph — has diminishing application. In recent years, the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG) classification system of mediastinal masses, which is cross-sectionally based, has garnered acceptance by multiple thoracic societies and been applied in adults. Therefore, there is a need for pediatric radiologists to clearly understand the ITMIG classification system and how it applies to the pediatric population. The main purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of common pediatric mediastinal masses and mediastinal manifestations of systemic disease processes in the pediatric population based on the new ITMIG classification system.

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Funding

Mark C. Liszewski is the recipient of grant funding for an unrelated study from Carestream Health, Inc., is an unpaid member of the Carestream Health Medical Advisory Board and is the recipient of meal and travel support from Carestream Health. 

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Nhi H. Vo

  2. Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Kumar K. Shashi, Abbey J. Winant & Edward Y. Lee

  3. Department of Radiology and Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA

    Mark C. Liszewski

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  1. Nhi H. Vo
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  2. Kumar K. Shashi
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Correspondence to Edward Y. Lee.

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Mark C. Liszewski is the recipient of grant funding for an unrelated study from Carestream Health, Inc., is an unpaid member of the Carestream Health Medical Advisory Board and is the recipient of meal and travel support from Carestream Health. The other authors have no conflicts of interest.

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Vo, N.H., Shashi, K.K., Winant, A.J. et al. Imaging evaluation of the pediatric mediastinum: new International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group classification system for children. Pediatr Radiol 52, 1948–1962 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-022-05361-3

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