Mediastinal teratoma with coexisting parenchymal pulmonary cystic lesion.

Abstract

A double-located mediastinal and intrapulmonary cystic teratoma is a rare condition to be considered by thoracic surgeons. Clinical or radiologic diagnosis of a ruptured mediastinal teratoma into adjacent structures may be highly suggestive. An atypical presentation may indicate cautiousness for complete surgical excision. We report the case of a 14-year-old girl presenting with chronic chest pain. The radiologic work-up showed a large cystic mediastinal tumor and a heterogeneous intrapulmonary left upper-lobe lesion. We discuss the radiologic differential diagnosis of this atypical double-located thoracic tumor and the surgical strategy for complete excision.