Anterior mediastinum

Last revised by Raymond Chieng on 3 Apr 2023

The anterior mediastinum is the portion of the mediastinum anterior to the pericardium and below the thoracic plane.

It forms the anterior part of the inferior mediastinum, and contains the thymus, lymph nodes, mammary vessels 3. It may contain the portions of a retrosternal thyroid.

Related pathology

The commonest pathology encountered within the anterior mediastinum is an anterior mediastinal mass. However, diffuse mediastinal disease may also occur.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.