Resection of a thoracic duct lymphangioma using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Abstract

Thoracic duct lymphangioma is a rare mediastinal tumor. Most patients are asymptomatic. Symptoms may include dysphagia, dyspnea, cough, or chest pain. Workup may include chest computed tomography or lymphangiography, or both. Surgery should be considered the treatment of choice. We present a 60-year-old man with a 2.4-cm mass in the retro-cardiac space to the right of the esophagus. The patient underwent a thoracoscopic resection of the mass with ligation of the thoracic duct. We conclude that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery allows for safe evaluation and resection of mediastinal pathology.