ReviewMediastinum (Hong Kong, China)2026
Imaging-based criteria for minimally invasive versus open surgery in thymic tumors: a narrative review.
Review in Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background and Objective: Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) require precise preoperative assessment to achieve complete resection and optimal long-term outcomes. With the expanding use of minimally invasive surgery, imaging has become central not only for diagnosis but also for surgical decision-making. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on how metabolic, morphologic, and computed tomography (CT)-based imaging parameters can be integrated to guide surgical strategies for TETs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science for studies published between January 2001 and August 2025. Original clinical studies, multicenter analyses, systematic reviews, and major guidelines published in English were reviewed, with an emphasis on imaging-based surgical decision-making. Key Content and Findings: Tumor size (TS) consistently predicts invasiveness and surgical complexity, with thresholds of approximately 5-6 cm influencing the choice between minimally invasive and open approaches. Positron emission tomography-derived parameters, particularly maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and the SUVmax-to-TS ratio, correlate with histological aggressiveness and prognosis. CT features, including capsular disruption, calcification, and vascular abutment, further refine risk stratification. Emerging modalities such as volumetry, novel positron-emission tomography (PET) tracers, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based radiomics show promise in enhancing individualized surgical planning. Conclusions: Integrating PET metrics, TS, and CT features provides a comprehensive framework for tailoring surgical strategies in TETs. Future incorporation of volumetric and AI-driven imaging analyses into clinical guidelines may further optimize surgical outcomes and personalized care.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.