Mediastínicas

Mediastínicas refers to anything related to the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. This region is located between the lungs and contains vital organs and structures. The mediastinum is bordered anteriorly by the sternum, posteriorly by the vertebral column, and laterally by the pleura. It is conventionally divided into several compartments, though the exact division can vary slightly between anatomical classifications. Commonly recognized divisions include the superior mediastinum, anterior mediastinum, middle mediastinum, and posterior mediastinum.

The superior mediastinum contains the great vessels (aorta, pulmonary artery, superior vena cava), the trachea, the esophagus, the thoracic duct, and the phrenic nerves. The anterior mediastinum, located behind the sternum, primarily houses the thymus gland. The middle mediastinum contains the heart, pericardium, ascending aorta, pulmonary trunk, and the roots of the great vessels. The posterior mediastinum, situated behind the heart, includes the descending aorta, esophagus, azygos and hemiazygos veins, and the sympathetic trunks.

Diseases or abnormalities affecting structures within the mediastinum are referred to as mediastinal conditions. These can include infections, tumors (benign or malignant), cysts, or inflammatory processes. Symptoms associated with mediastinal issues are often related to compression or invasion of adjacent structures and can manifest as chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing, or difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, and may require a biopsy for definitive identification of the cause. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying pathology.