Anterior Mediastinal Tumor Research Articles

Chylothorax following transsternal total thymectomy: a case report

Herein, we report a case of chylothorax following total thymectomy. A 46-year-old woman having an anterior mediastinal tumor underwent a thymectomy via median sternotomy. Seven days after surgery, there was no massive pleural effusion. However, on post-operative day 17, a right massive pleural effusion was detected, and it was diagnosed as chylothorax. She was successfully treated with conservative therapy. Chylothorax following thymectomy is a very rare complication.

Downregulation of HMGB1 in thymoma cells affects T cell differentiation.

Thymoma is the most common anterior mediastinal tumor and is closely associated with myasthenia gravis (MG). Our previous study showed that the expression of Th17 cells increased and the expression of Treg decreased in MG-associated thymoma tissues and peripheral blood. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an inflammatory mediator and participates in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. However, its function in thymoma is still unclear. Material and methods: We first analyzed immune indices in peripheral blood of patients with MG-associated thymoma and patients with thymoma alone. Next, we explored the expression of HMGB1 in MG-associated thymoma and thymoma alone tissues. Furthermore, we transfected si-HMGB1 in thymoma cell line Thy0517 and co-cultured Thy0517 with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In this study, the levels of IgG, C3, C4, CRP and globulins in peripheral blood of patients with MG-associated thymoma were different from those of patients with thymoma alone (p < 0.05). The expression of HMGB1 in MG-associated thymoma tissues was higher than thymoma alone. Co-culture of Thy0517 and PBMC showed that the percentage of Th17 cells in PBMC was lower than that in the control group, and the percentage of Treg cells was higher than that in the control group. These findings demonstrate that HMGB1 is involved in the mechanism of abnormal Th17/Treg cell differentiation in thymoma and affects the occurrence of immune abnormalities in MG-associated thymoma.

Primary thymic neuroblastomas in adults: A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of three cases

Three cases of primary neuroblastomas presenting as anterior mediastinal tumors are presented. The patients are two women and one man between the ages of 57 and 63 year. Clinically, the patients presented with symptoms of chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath. Diagnostic imaging revealed the presence of an anterior mediastina mass. Initial biopsy was non-diagnostic in two patients, while in one patient no biopsy was obtained. Surgical resection via thoracotomy was performed in all three patients. Grossly, the tumors vary in size from 3 to 4.5 cm in greatest dimension, and they were described as well circumscribed but not encapsulated, light brown in color. Areas of hemorrhage and/or necrosis were not described. Histologically, at low power the tumors were surrounded by a rim of adipose tissue containing remnants of thymic tissue with Hassall's corpuscles. At higher magnification, the tumors show the characteristic small round cell proliferation with varying amounts of neurophil. Mitotic activity was present but not in large number. Areas of necrosis and/or hemorrhage were not identified. Immunohistochemically, the tumors show positive staining for NSE, while synaptophysin highlighted neurophil. Other markers epithelial and neuroendocrine were negative. Clinical follow-up information shows that two patients have remained alive 8 and 12 months after initial surgical resection. One patient was lost to follow-up.

Robot-assisted thymectomy in large anterior mediastinal tumors: A comparative study with video-assisted thymectomy and open surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted thymectomy (RAT) in large anterior mediastinal tumors (AMTs) (size ≥6cm) compared with video-assisted thymectomy (VAT) and open surgery. A total of 132 patients with large AMTs who underwent surgical resection from January 2016 to June 2022 were included in this study. A total of 61 patients underwent RAT, 36 patients underwent VAT and 35 patients underwent open surgery. Perioperative outcomes were compared. There were no significant differences in tumor size (p=0.141), or pathological types (p= 0.903). Compared with the open group, the RAT and VAT groups were associated with a shorter operation time (115.00 vs. 160.00, p=0.012; 122.50 vs. 160.00, p=0.071), and less blood loss (50.00 vs. 200.00, p < 0.001; 50.00 vs. 200.00, p < 0.001), respectively. The rate of conversion in the RAT group was similar to that in the VAT group (6.56% vs. 13.89%, p=0.229). Concomitant resection was less frequently performed in the VAT group than in the RAT and open groups (5.56% vs. 31.15%, p=0.040; 5.56% vs. 31.43%, p=0.006). VAT patients had a lower drainage volume (365.00 vs. 700.00 and 910.00 mL, p < 0.001), shorter duration of chest tube (2.00 vs. 3.00 and 4.00, p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (5.00 vs. 6.00 and 7.00, p < 0.001) than the RAT and open groups. There was no 30-day mortality in any group. No difference was seen in R0 resection rates (p=0.846). The postoperative complication rates were similar among the three groups (p=0.309). Total in-hospital costs (66493.90 vs. 33581.05 and 42876.40, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the RAT group. RAT is safe and effective for the resection of large AMTs compared to VAT and open surgery. Vascular resection in RAT is technically feasible. A long-term follow-up is required.

The surgical treatment of locally advanced angiosarcoma of the anterior mediastinum. A clinical case

Tumors of the mediastinum is a collective term that includes neoplasms of various degrees of malignancy, different morphogenesis, originating from heterogeneous tissues and combined into one nosological form according to anatomical localization. Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor originating from a vessel wall. In the general structure of sarcomas, its frequency is estimated at 1%. The tumor is characterized by an aggressive course, local recurrence, hematogenous metastasis, poor sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery remains the main treatment for angiosarcomas. The article presents a clinical case. A 55-year-old patient has multiple primary malignant neoplasms: cancer of the body of the uterus pT1aN0M0 IA stage. Surgical treatment from 12.15.2020 panhysterectomy; angiosarcoma of the anterior mediastinum with lesions of the manubrium, body of the sternum and the 1st rib on the left, invasion into the left brachiocephalic vein with the formation of a tumor thrombus in it, growing into the upper lobe of the left lung, T3N0M0, G1. Surgical treatment from 08.12.2021 resection of the manubrium and body of the sternum with resection of the anterior segments I, II, III ribs on both sides, resection of the left brachiocephalic vein, removal of an anterior mediastinal tumor, atypical resection of the upper lobe of the left lung en bloc, reconstruction of the sternum and ribs with an individual titanium 3D prosthesis. The patient was discharged from the hospital in a satisfactory condition.

Thymofibrolipoma: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundThymofibrolipoma has been described as a variant of thymolipoma. To date, 3 cases have been reported, and the lesion have been described to consist of extensive areas of collagenous tissue interspersed with islands of mature adipose tissue and strands of thymic tissue.Case presentationA 43-year-old woman had an anterior mediastinal tumor. Macroscopically, the cut surface of the tumor was composed of a yellowish lipomatous component and a uniform whitish fibrous component with elastic stiffness. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of collagenous fibrous tissue with sparse spindle cells, mature adipocytes and strands or islands of thymic tissue. The spindle cells in the fibrous tissue had monoallelic deletion of the 13q14 region and corresponding loss of RB1 and FOXO1A protein expression.ConclusionsThis case report may strengthen the hypothesis that thymofibrolipoma is a neoplastic lesion and a variant of thymolipoma and that thymofibrolipoma and lipofibroadenoma are different names for the same lesion. The name “lipofibroadenoma” was given to the lesion because of its histological resemblance to fibroadenoma of the mammary gland. However, this name does not reflect the pathogenesis of this lesion, and the name “thymofibrolipoma” would be preferable. It will be necessary to discuss whether lipofibroadenoma should be listed as an independent entity in the WHO classification.

SUPERIOR VENA CAVA SYNDROME DUE TO A MEDIASTINAL MASS WITH RIGHT ATRIAL INVOLVEMENT

SUPERIOR VENA CAVA SYNDROME DUE TO A MEDIASTINAL MASS WITH RIGHT ATRIAL INVOLVEMENT

Mediastinal aberrant goiter characterized by high radiodensity on non-enhanced computed tomography: a case report

BackgroundA mediastinal aberrant goiter is extremely rare, characterized by independence from the thyroid gland. This tumor most commonly develops in the anterior mediastinum and should be differentiated from a thymoma. Moreover, as mediastinal aberrant goiters frequently have a blood supply arising from the thoracic great vessels, preoperative diagnosis and evaluation of the feeding vessel are vital for safe surgery. Herein, we report a rare case of mediastinal aberrant goiter characterized by high radiodensity on non-enhanced computed tomography (CT).Case presentationA 77-year-old woman underwent non-enhanced CT, which showed a 2.2-cm, well-circumscribed, homogeneous anterior mediastinal nodule with high radiodensity. The CT attenuation value of the nodule was as high as 91.9 Hounsfield units. A thymoma or mediastinal goiter was suspected owing to the tumor location and the lack of a cystic component. We performed anterior mediastinal tumor resection using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Pathologically, variably sized follicles, indicative of thyroid tissue, were observed with hemorrhage and hemosiderin deposition. Moreover, papillary projections of small follicles (Sanderson’s polsters) were scattered without atypia of the follicular epithelium, indicative of an adenomatous goiter. The diagnosis of a mediastinal aberrant goiter was supported by the absence of an anatomical connection with the thyroid gland. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 5.ConclusionThe thyroid gland has a high radiodensity on non-enhanced CT, which correlates with iodine concentration. This radiological feature may be useful for the preoperative differentiation of mediastinal aberrant goiters containing thyroid tissue.

Morphologic Changes in the Thymus Following Chemotherapy for Anterior Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: A Study of 91 Cases Emphasizing Pseudoneoplastic Features.

The interpretation of postchemotherapy resections of anterior mediastinal germ cell tumors plays a critical role in determining future patient management and prognosis. Treatment-related changes in the thymus may mimic residual teratoma or microcystic-pattern yolk sac tumor. There is limited extant information concerning therapy-related pseudoneoplastic thymic alterations. To provide diagnostic assistance to distinguish nonneoplastic thymic abnormalities secondary to chemotherapy from residual germ cell tumor. We retrospectively reviewed 91 resections of primary anterior mediastinal germ cell tumors with recognizable thymic gland following cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The cohort included 90 men and 1 woman (median age, 29 years). A spectrum of thymic epithelial alterations occurred, including cystic change (macrocysts [n = 21] or microcysts [n = 20]); hyperplasia with reactive atypia (n = 8); ciliated, mucinous, or columnar cell metaplasia (n = 3); and mature squamous metaplasia (n = 2). These changes were similar to so-called acquired multilocular thymic cysts, were often contiguous with and adjacent to normal thymic epithelium, and lacked the neoplastic-type atypia seen in teratomatous elements in this setting. In 1 case, confluent microcysts closely mimicked the appearance of yolk sac tumor but lacked other distinctive features of that neoplasm and its characteristic immunoreactivity. Recognition of therapy-induced thymic changes is important to avoid misinterpretation as residual teratoma or yolk sac tumor. Continuity with and proximity to benign thymic epithelium, absence of neoplastic-type atypia, and awareness of this phenomenon are important in avoiding this pitfall.

Clinical Application of Thoracoscopic Resection of Anterior Mediastinal Tumors under the Xiphoid Process.

Objective To explore the feasibility and advantages of thoracoscopic resection of anterior mediastinal tumors through subxiphoid and lateral thoracic approaches. Method 74 patients with anterior mediastinal tumors hospitalized in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into the lateral chest group (31 cases) and the infraxiphoid group (43 cases) according to different operation methods. The tumor size, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain score, postoperative complications, postoperative drainage tube removal time, and hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Result The intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain scores in the subxiphoid group were better than those in the lateral chest group. There was no significant difference in operation time and postoperative complications between the two groups. Conclusion Compared with the lateral thoracic approach, the thoracoscopic subxiphoid approach can be more safe and effective in resectioning anterior mediastinal tumors.

Surgical resection of a thymoma developed in a case with isolated persistent left superior vena cava

IntroductionPersistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is one of the most common vascular abnormalities in the chest. In approximately 10 % of cases, the right superior vena cava is missing, which is called isolated persistent left superior vena cava (IPLSVC).Presentation of caseThe case is an 85 years-old female. An anterior mediastinal tumor was accidentally revealed when the patient was admitted after a traffic accident. As the tumor became larger within four months, a thymectomy was planned. The anterior mediastinal tumor was in front of the ascending aorta, which was close to the confluence of the left and right brachiocephalic veins in normal anatomy. However, in this case, the right superior vena cava was missing, and the right brachiocephalic vein flowed into the left superior vena cava by the chest computed tomography. Preoperative examinations found no accompanying cardiac abnormality. Robot-assisted thymectomy was performed. No tumor infiltration was observed in the right brachiocephalic vein. No abnormality was found in either phrenic nerve. The tumor could be safely resected, and her postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological diagnosis was a thymoma.DiscussionA case of thymectomy with IPLSVC is quite rare. A careful observation of the preoperative computed tomography images helps to diagnose IPLSVC. Technically, thymectomy was not much different from normal, other than the reversed location of the veins. However, it should be noted that IPLSVC cases may have cardiac malformations.ConclusionThymectomy for thymoma with IPLSVC can be safely performed when the left and right veins are reversed.

Robotic Mediastinal Tumor Resections: Position and Port Placement.

This study aimed to determine the optimal position and port placement during robotic resection for various mediastinal tumors. For anterior mediastinal tumors, total or extended thymectomy is commonly performed in the supine position using the lateral or subxiphoid approach. Although it is unclear which approach is better during robotic thymectomy, technical advantages of subxiphoid approach are beneficial for patients with myasthenia who require extended thymectomy. Partial thymectomy is performed in the supine position using a lateral approach. Superior, middle, and posterior mediastinal tumors are resected in the decubitus position using the lateral approach, whereas dumbbell tumor resection, which requires a posterior approach, can be performed in the prone position. The position and port placement should be chosen depending on the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor. In this study, we describe how to choose which of these different robotic approaches can be used based on our experience and previous reports.

Complete resolution of paraneoplastic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion following thymic small-cell carcinoma thoracoscopic resection.

Thymic neuroendocrine tumours are rare anterior mediastinal neoplasms often associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. A patient presented with intractable hyponatraemia and a DOTATATE-avid mediastinal mass. Following medical optimization, she underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy with en bloc thymic small-cell carcinoma resection. Her symptoms resolved and her sodium levels normalized. In localized disease, curative-intent, minimally invasive thymic neuroendocrine tumour resection is safe and effective following preoperative staging and paraneoplastic syndrome management.

Surgical approach to pediatric mediastinal masses based on imaging characteristics.

Pediatric mediastinal masses may be resected using an open or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach. We sought to define the preoperative imaging findings predicting amenability to VATS. This multicenter retrospective study of pediatric patients undergoing either VATS or open surgical mediastinal mass resection between 2008 and 2018 evaluated the preoperative imaging descriptors associated with VATS. Postoperative endpoints included length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, 90-day mortality and complication rates. Mediastinal mass resection was performed in 33 patients. Median tumor size was 6cm, and 51.5% had anterior mediastinal tumors. The 23 (69.7%) patients who underwent VATS were significantly older (144months vs 32, P = 0.01) and larger (33.6kg vs 13.8 P = 0.03). Preoperative imaging characteristics in VATS included "well circumscribed", "smooth margins" and "cystic", while the open surgery group were "heterogeneous" and "coarse calcification". The open group had more germ cell tumors (60.0% vs 13.0%, P = 0.16) but no difference in malignancy. VATS patients had shorter LOS (2days vs 6.5, P = 0.24). Readmission, complication and mortality rates were similar. Pediatric patients with apparent malignancy frequently underwent open resection compared with the thoracoscopic group, although final malignant pathology was similar. Equivalent outcomes and shorter LOS should favor a minimally invasive approach. Level III.

P64-5 A case of thymoma with systemic capillary leak syndrome that responded to high-dose steroid therapy

The case is a 74-year-old woman who was diagnosed with thymoma type B1 by CT-guided needle biopsy of an anterior mediastinal tumor. She had been scheduled for surgery, but was transported to the emergency room because of sudden onset of respiratory distress. She had bilateral pleural effusions with pericardial effusion and severe generalized edema, and thoracic drainage was performed. Although her dyspnea temporarily improved with drainage, she developed acute heart failure and was treated with NPPV.

THYMOMA AS A NECK SWELLING - A SURGICAL DILEMMA

Thymomas are rare neoplasm of Anterior Mediastinum originating within the epithelial cells of the thymus and it is exceedingly uncommon in children and young adults, rises in incidence in middle age, and peaks in the seventh decade of life. One third to one half of patients present with an asymptomatic anterior mediastinal mass on chest radiograph, one third present with local symptoms (cough, chest pain, superior vena cava syndrome, and/or dysphagia), and one third of cases are detected during the evaluation of myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neuromuscular junction which causes progressive weakness of muscles. Indication of thymectomy for all cases of myasthenia gravis has been a topic of debate but thymectomy is indicated in all cases with thymomas no matter the stage of myasthenia gravis. We present a rare case of Thymoma as 70/Female patient presented with a painful lateral neck swelling on left side with Myasthenia Gravis and Dysphagia. We couldnt find any similar cases in literature. USG Neck was done which showed a 5.3x5.3x4.3cm multilobulated mass in left supraclavicular region inferior to left lobe of thyroid with calcification suspicious of malignancy which possible origin from Thyroid and Parathyroid Gland. On CECT scan there was 4.1x3.4x3.8 cm isodense mass which seems to be arising from lower pole of left thyroid lobe and extending in surrounding structures. FNAC was s/o Thymoma type A. Patient underwent Sternotomy- entire tumor along with thymus was dissected, however posteriorly it was densely adhered to Left Vagus Nerve Giving Suspicion of Neurofibroma. Specimen Sent for Frozen Section which confirmed it to be Type A thymoma. Histopathology Report concluded the diagnosis- Type A Thymoma. Post Operative was Uneventful. Thus, we conclude a rare case of Neck Swelling with series of event to reach to a Final Diagnosis of Thymoma.

Adenocarcinoma (Somatic-Type Malignancy) in Mature Teratoma of Anterior Mediastinum

Mature teratoma is a common anterior mediastinal tumour. However, occurrence of transformed malignant component within it is very rare. We report a case of a 32-year-old female presenting with dry cough and chest pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a large thin-walled cystic lesion measuring 11.4 cm x 10.6 cm x 10.0 cm in the anterior mediastinum. Right postero-lateral thoracotomy was performed and the tumour was completely excised. Histopathological examination of the excised specimen was suggestive of mature teratoma with transformed malignant component, adenocarcinoma (somatic-type malignancy).

Successful resolution of ectopic Cushing syndrome by minimally invasive thoracoscopic resection of the neuroendocrine tumor of the thymus: a rare case report

BackgroundEctopic Cushing syndrome (ECS) is a sporadic condition. Even uncommon is an ECS that derives from a carcinoid tumor of the thymus. These tumors may pose several diagnostic and therapeutic conundrums. This report discusses the differential diagnosis, clinicopathological findings, and effective treatment of a rare case of ECS using a minimally invasive approach.Case presentationA 29-year-old woman with Cushing syndrome presented with facial flushing. Physical examination revealed hypertension (blood pressure: 141/100 mmHg). A mediastinal tumor was discovered to be the cause of the patient’s chronic hypokalemia and hypercortisolemia. Cortisol levels increased in the morning, reaching 47.7 ug/dL. The levels of the hormones ACTH, aldosterone, and renin were determined to be 281 pg/mL, 3.0 ng/dL, and 2.1 pg/mL, respectively. The presence of hypertension, hypokalemia, and alkalinity suggested Cushing’s syndrome, which was proven to be ACTH-dependent ECS by a dexamethasone suppression test. A chest CT scan revealed inflammation in the posterior basal region of the right lower lobe. The superior anterior mediastinum was characterized by round-shaped isodensity lesions with distinct borders. She underwent thoracoscopic anterior mediastinal tumor excision via the subxiphoid technique (R0 resection); following surgery, her blood pressure returned to normal, and the hypernatremia/hypopotassemia resolved. The tumor was determined to be a thymic carcinoid. Most notably, cortisol levels fell to half of their presurgical levels after one hour of surgery, and other abnormalities corrected substantially postoperatively.ConclusionThoracoscopic excision of thymic tumors by subxiphoid incision may be a useful treatment option for ECS caused by neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus

Unexpected Preoperative Regression of a Thymoma: A Case Report

We report a case of unexpected spontaneous regression of thymoma in a 44-year-old patient, referred with clinical, biological, and electrophysiological findings of Myasthenia gravis. The patient was stable on synthetic Acetylcholesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids. A chest computed tomography (January 2020) revealed a well-defined tumor in the anterior mediastinum. Surgical removal was decided. Unfortunately, because of the covid 19 pandemic, the surgical activity of the department of thoracic surgery was suspended. The patient was discharged and re-admitted nine months later. A new chest computed tomography (September 2020) was performed, revealing a net regression of the anterior mediastinal tumor. The long axis of the tumor decreased from 97mm to 28mm. A Video-assisted thoracoscopic thymothymectomy was performed. The histopathological study of the specimen revealed a Thymoma B3, according to the world health organization (WHO) classification, without any necrosis, hemorrhagic or sclerotic cells. The spontaneous regression of thymic epithelial tumors is reported as rare. Surgical excision should be performed, even if tumor volume regression is observed. After surgical resection, the anatomopathological studies of the specimens could sometimes find some elements that explain the regression of these tumors. In our case, we suppose that the intake of corticosteroids by our patient could have played a role in this tumor regression.

Robotic subxiphoid thymectomy versus lateral thymectomy: a propensity score-matched comparison.

This study aims to compare the surgical outcomes between conventional robotic lateral thymectomy and recently introduced robotic subxiphoid thymectomy (RXT) for the surgical treatment of anterior mediastinal tumours. Between May 2008 and July 2020, the patients who underwent robotic thymectomy were included in the study. Because RXT was more frequently performed in the tumours with advanced stages and located in the upper mediastinum abutting the brachiocephalic vein, we conducted propensity score matching to minimize selection bias. A total of 389 patients (subxiphoid and lateral thymectomy in 188 and 200 patients, respectively) underwent robotic thymectomy, and 141 matched pairs in each group were included in the analysis. After the matching process, both methods showed comparable demographic features, pathological diagnoses and pathologic stages. RXT was performed more frequently for mediastinal masses abutting the brachiocephalic vein (P < 0.01). The proportion of simultaneous resection of adjacent structures, including the lung, pericardium and phrenic nerve, was similar between the 2 groups; however, the proportion of brachiocephalic vein resection was significantly higher in the RXT (P < 0.01). Although both groups showed comparable complication rates (P = 0.80), RXT was associated with shorter hospital stays [2.4 (2.4) vs 3.1 (2.4) days; P = 0.03] and a lower pain score in the immediate and early postoperative periods. RXT could be performed safely in complex upper mediastinal tumours abutting the brachiocephalic vein and showed better early outcomes with shorter hospital stays and lesser postoperative pain than robotic lateral thymectomy.