Infected teratoma of lower posterior mediastinum in a six-year-old boy

Abstract

A six-year old boy presented with prolonged unexplained fever caused by an infected teratoma of the lower posterior mediastinum. Modern imaging, combining ultrasonography with computed tomography, enabled the correct diagnosis of topography, extension and nature of this rare lesion to be made and explained the clinical features. Follow-up CT showed regression of the abscess after antibiotics thus permitting elective surgery.

Mediastinal germ cell tumors: a radiologic–pathologic review

“…1 a, tumors become infected or may rupture into adjacent organs such as lung, bronchial tree, or pleural and pericardial space [11,12]. Proteolytic or digestive enzymes derived from the tumor have been proposed as the cause of tumoral rupture [13,14,15,16]. Noninfective inflammation around mediastinal teratomas has been mentioned occasionally in the literature [17].…”

Retroperitoneal teratoma presenting as an abscess in childhood

“…Nguyen et al [10]. It is highly unusual for a child to have a primary retroperitoneal abscess, especially if there are no predisposing comorbidities.…”

A mature cystic teratoma located in the posterior mediastinum

“…However, in adults, they are usually asymptomatic and are incidentally found in chest radiographs. [5] Symptomatic cases complain more often about chest pain. Moreover, cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis due to access to the bronchial tree may also be observed.…”