Over the past 3 years we have encountered eight cases of masses in the
thoracoabdominal junction or paradiaphragmatic region. To determine e
xact compartmentalization of the tumors prior to treatment, a detailed
imaging evaluation, including conventional radiography, ultrasound, c
omputerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, was conducted.
Despite these extensive examinations, we erred in three cases with re
gard to the compartmental limitation of the tumors. The imaging pictur
e of para- or transdiaphragmatic penetration of masses can be very mis
leading and is at times resolved only at surgery.