A Huge Lymphangioma Mimicking Pleural Effusion with Extension to Both Chest Cavities: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Mediastinal lymphangioma is primarily a benign lesion and the majority of the cases are found incidentally. These lesions account for approximately 1% of all mediastinal tumors. Here we present a giant mediastinal cystic mass in a 35-year-old female who was presented with severe respiratory distress...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mohsen Sokouti, Nassir Rostambeigi, Monireh Halimi, Seyed Ziaeddin Rasihashemi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 2015-03-01
Series:Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:http://ijms.sums.ac.ir/index.php/IJMS/article/view/1478
Description
Summary:Mediastinal lymphangioma is primarily a benign lesion and the majority of the cases are found incidentally. These lesions account for approximately 1% of all mediastinal tumors. Here we present a giant mediastinal cystic mass in a 35-year-old female who was presented with severe respiratory distress. On the plain chest radiography and CT scan, a massive left pleural effusion with large parasternal and mediastinal lymphadenopathy was seen. Thoracentesis was performed and 400 cm³ of clear fluid was drained from the left hemithorax. However, a subsequent CT scan with contrast and the same technique 40 days later showed a large cystic mass in the mediastinum protruding to the right and left hemi thoraces. The giant cystic mass was resected via right and left anterior thoracotomies. Histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis of lymphangioma. The patient has been alive and without tumor recurrence and has been followed for 2 years.
ISSN:0253-0716
1735-3688