Causes of widened mediastinun on chest x ray

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  1. Technical issues - projection, AP film, patient rotated or inadequate inspiration. 
  2. Masses - Thyroid, Lymphoma, teratoma, neurogenic tumour. 
  3. Achalasia 
  4. Scoliosis
  5. Paravetebral abscess from tuberculosis
  6. Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Ellis H, Calne R, Watson C, Lecture Notes General Surgery, 11th ed. Oxford, Blackwell Publishing 2006
Radiology Masterclass, Mediastinal abnormalities [online] available at: http://radiologymasterclass.co.uk/tutorials/chest/chest_pathology/chest_pathology_page9.html [accessed:02/11/2014]
Van Sambeek R, Anterior mediastinal masses, [online] available at: http://eradiology.bidmc.harvard.edu/LearningLab/respiratory/sambeek.pdf, [accessed: 02/11/2014]
Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achalasia#mediaviewer/File:Achalasia2010.jpg [accessed: 02/11/14] 

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