CT features of mature teratoma in the mediastinum of two young adults—a report of two cases

Abstract

Background Germ cell tumors prefer gonadal regions, but they can be expected in extragonadal sites such as the anterior mediastinum, which is the commonly involved region after gonads. Amongst germ cell tumors, teratomas are the rarer subtypes which develop in the anterior mediastinum. Case presentation The authors present two adult patients, a male and a female, both complaining of chronic chest pain and cough. Chest CT scans were performed revealing characteristic CT features of mature teratomas in the anterior mediastinum which were extending to the superior mediastinum in both patients. Conclusion Germ cell tumors are involving the mediastinum; however, amongst all germ cell tumors, teratoma is the least common type arising in the mediastinum, and a chest CT scan considered the imaging investigation of choice. Surgery is the best option and patients may have a very good prognosis.

Mediastinal Teratoma Mimicking Neurofibroma in CT-Guided Biopsy in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

“…The anterior mediastinum has been reported as the most frequent extra-gonadal location of these tumors. CT chest is considered to be the radiographic modality of choice for their diagnostic evaluation with the presence of teeth and/or fat-fluid level considered pathognomonic [ 13 , 14 ]. They present with heterogenous characteristics which extend from sharp margins to well-rounded or lobulated masses with the presence of soft tissue, fluid, fat, or calcium attenuation.…”

Teratomas Mediastinal Recurrent with Massive Pericardial Effusion

“…Computed Tomography (CT) remains the modality of choice for evaluating initial crosssectional imaging of mediastinal lesions 6 . CT scan of the chest is considered the imaging study of choice, with surgery being the best option, and the patient probably has an excellent prognosis 7 .…”

“…Teratomas are the rarest type to appear in the mediastinum 7,8 . The annual incidence in the United States for non-seminomatous mediastinal germ cell tumors is estimated at approximately 500 cases 3 .…”

“…The treatment for non-malignant mediastinal teratoma cases is surgery and total tumor excision 12 , and it is combined with chemotherapy to increase survival rates in malignant teratomas 7,13 . However, this case study found recurrent mediastinal teratoma accompanied by pericardial effusion.…”