Widened mediastinum
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Widened mediastinum' is a mediastinum with a measured width greater than 8 cm on chest X-ray. A widened mediastinum can be indicative of several important pathologies, such as aortic aneurysm and hilar lymphadenopathy. This is also a classic finding associated with inhalational anthrax.
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Widened mediastinum is also found in patients with esophageal rupture, mediastinal mass, or pericardial effusion.
A widened mediastinum was found in 7 of the first 10 victims infected by anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) in 2001. Source: "Bioterrorism-Related Inhalational Anthrax: The First 10 Cases Reported in the United States." Jernigan, John A. et al. Emerging Infectious Diseases. Volume 7 No. 6 November-December 2001.
