This lecture provides a structured review of mediastinal anatomy with emphasis on compartmental organization and lymph node station mapping relevant to PET/CT interpretation. The discussion delineates anterior, middle, superior, and posterior mediastinal boundaries using CT landmarks, then systematically walks through each major mediastinal and hilar nodal station—its anatomic definition, borders, and expected location on cross-sectional imaging. The session equips the learner with a practical, image-based framework for accurately identifying and reporting mediastinal lymph nodes.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

• Differentiate the anterior, middle, superior, and posterior mediastinal compartments using CT-pericardial and thoracic inlet landmarks.
• Identify the major mediastinal lymph node stations (2–9) and their anatomic boundaries.
• Distinguish paratracheal, retrotracheal, para-aortic, subaortic/AP window, and subcarinal nodal groups on axial and sagittal images.
• Recognize paraesophageal, pulmonary ligament, and hilar nodal stations and understand their inferior and lateral extensions.
• Apply standardized mediastinal nodal station terminology to improve clarity and accuracy in PET/CT reporting.