Objective To analyze the radiolngical findings of mediastinal ganglioneuroma and to improve its diagnostic accuracy. Methods Imaging data of 8 cases of pathologically proven mediastinal ganglioueuroma were restrospectively analyzed. Results These tumors could occur in the anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum or posterior mediastinum, with a preference for the posterior mediastinum (6/8). No specific clinical symptoms and signs were observed. Well-defined enlargrment of mediastinum with homogeneous density was shown on plain X-Ray. CT scanning was performed in 7 cases, including non-contrast scan alone (n = 3 ), both non-coutrast and contrast-enhanced scans ( n = 4). Round or oval shaped, well circumscribed, homogeneous or slightly heterogeneous, hypadense masses were demonstrated on non-contrast scan. Spotty calification could be found in a few cases. Homogeneous or slightly heterogeneous enhancement was seen following the intravenous injection of contrast material. Large tumors showed a tendency of wedging into the space between adjacent organs and structures, and encasing the nearby large vessels. MR without contrast was performed in 1 case. T1 WI showed isointensity to adjacent muscle, T2WI showed homogeneous hyperintensity. Multi-planar reconstruction provided more information concerning the relationship of the mass lesions with neighboring structures. Conclusion Mediastinal ganglioneuromas have some specific characterstics on imaging studies, which could assist in pre-operative diagnosis and surgical planning.

Objective To retrospectively investigate the clinical features of localized primary small bowel stromal tumors (SBSTs) and the impacting factors for prognosis.Methods The clinical and pathological data of 89 consecutive SBSTs patients,with pathologically confirmed,who underwent complete resection in Ruijin hospital between January 2003 and September 2007 were collected and analyzed.All patients were followed up for assessment of tumor recurrence and metastasis.The impacts of clinical and pathologic factors on rate of disease free survival (DFS) of the patients was evaluated.Results In total of 89 follow-up patients,15 patients were diagnosed with tumor recurrence and 9 of them died.The tumor size,mitotic index and pathological risk stratification were statistically related with DFS (P=0.000,P=0.006,P=0.000,respectively) by using Kaplan-Meier univaritate analysis.Tumor size and mitotic index were proved to be independent prognostic factors for tumor recurrence by multivariate analysis COX regression model.Conclusions Tumor size and mitotic index are related with tumor recurrence,and can be regarded as independent predictive factors of tumor recurrence.