Diagnosis and Differentiation of Nodular Goitre at Thoracic Inlet with Spiral CT

Objective:To evaluate spiral CT in the diagnosis and differentiation of nodular goitre at thoracic inlet. Materials and Methods:CT findings in 34 patients with nodular goitres were retrospectively analyzed and were compared with pathological results.Results:Within the 34 cases,2 cases with nodular goitre primarily located at thoracic inlet,while goitres elongated from cervical thyroid to thoracic inlet in 32 cases.Total 63 nodules were found in 34 patients with nodular goitres.Among them,42 nodules elongated from cervical thyroid to thoracic inlet in 32 patients.The tracheas were pressed by nodular goitres in 25 patients,and the blood vessels and esophagus were pressed in 29 and 5 patients,respectively.Surrounding organs invaded were not detected in any patients.Conclusion:Spiral CT scanning is a valuable examination in the diagnosis and differentiation of nodular goitre at thoracic inlet,post-contrast scan and 3D reformation help to display the nodular goitre at thoracic inlet, especially display the relationship of nodular goitre with the cervical thyroid.