Radiographic interpretation of the mediastinum

• Become familiar with the normal anatomic structures (both visualized and normally not visualized) of the cranial, middle, and caudal mediastinum
• Understand the anatomic connection between the mediastinum, cervical deep fascial planes, retroperitoneal space, and the mediastinum’s relationship to the pleural space
• Recognize normal anatomic breed variation in mediastinal appearance and be able to differentiate from pathology

Case discussion: mediastinal pathology

• Learn tips and tricks for differentiating mediastinal vs. pulmonary masses
• Understand pathophysiology of pneumomediastinum
• Recognize examples of both diffuse (e.g. pneumomediastinum, mediastinal effusion) and focal (e.g. mass) mediastinal pathology, and generate appropriate differentials base on anatomic and pathophysiologic knowledge