Mediastinal Mass Research Articles

Abstract 4136539: Management of Malignant SVC Syndrome and Acute SVC Thrombosis with Complex Endovascular Intervention

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome occurs when there is SVC occlusion or obstruction. SVC obstruction can cause an increase in venous return pressure up to 40 mm Hg, producing edema of the face, neck and chest wall. Blood flow can be diverted to the right atrium through collateral venous networks in cases of gradual SVC compression. The most common cause of SVC syndrome is malignancy, as seen in 70% of cases. Traditionally, treatment is with radiation therapy but advances have now allowed for an endovascular approach. We present a case of malignant SVC syndrome with a complex percutaneous treatment approach that provided palliation with near immediate symptom improvement. A 64 year-old-female with history of cerebrovascular accident on Eliquis, right upper lobe squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in remission, and a mediastinal nodule under surveillance presented with facial and bilateral upper extremity edema. CT revealed bilateral pulmonary embolism and a large SVC thrombus causing impaired venous return. Invasive angiogram confirmed a 95% thrombotic tubular stenosis for which she underwent aspiration thrombectomy with alpha VAC F-18, then angioplasty with an Armada (Abbott) 10 x 40 mm compliant balloon and stenting with the Express (Boston Scientific) 10 x 37 mm stent. There was 0% residual stenosis and immediate clinical improvement. Oncological workup confirmed the right mediastinal mass to be a recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma. SVC syndrome occurred due to mediastinal mass compression and a near occlusive SVC thrombus. Aspiration thrombectomy was effective in treating the SVC thrombosis and was performed alongside pulmonary embolism thrombectomy. The Armada balloon is intended for lesion dilation in the peripheral arteries, but was safely used here for venous dilation. The Express stent is intended for palliation of malignant biliary neoplasms but has versatility and was utilized here for malignant neoplasm surrounding the SVC. Peripheral endovascular stenting is an advantageous treatment option for malignant SVC syndrome given the challenges due to recurrence from mass effect. This provides additional support to maintain vessel patency and is a safe palliation option for improvement in quality of life.

Abstract 4144542: In-Hospital Outcomes of Open Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement versus Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement in patients with Prior Mediastinal Radiation: Insight from The National Inpatient Database (2015-2020)

Background: Radiation associated heart disease has a wide spectrum of manifestations including pericardial disease, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease. Mitral valve regurgitation is the second most common valvular dysfunction in patients with prior mediastinal radiation. Research Question: What are the outcomes of percutaneous or transcatheter mitral valve replacement/repair (T-MVR) versus surgical mitral valve replacement/repair (S-MVR) in patients with prior mediastinal radiation. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was analyzed from 2015-2020 to identify patients with mediastinal tumors and prior exposure to radiation therapy undergoing mitral valve repair/replacement. We subclassified the data into hospitalizations for S-MVR and T-MVR. Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze hospitalization outcomes. Results: A total of 1725 patients with prior mediastinal radiation were hospitalized for MVR; 1110 (64.3%) patients underwent S-MVR and 615 (35.6%) patients underwent T-MVR. On a multivariable analysis, the odds of MACCE [aOR: 2.21; 95 % CI: (1.87-4.01); p <0.001)], and in-hospital mortality [aOR: 5.6; 95% CI (2.06-7.35); p=0.008] were higher in patients undergoing S-MVR compared to those undergoing T-MVR. Additionally, patients undergoing S-MVR had higher odds of periprocedural complications including cardiogenic shock [aOR: 7.4; 95% CI: (3.75 -9.20); p <0.001], major bleeding [aOR: 2.9; 95% CI: (1.26-7.09); p=0.01], AKI [aOR: 3.4; 95% CI: (1.33-5.23); p <0.001], stroke [aOR: 5.01; 95% CI: (1.51-6.57); p=0.008], and MCS utilization [aOR: 3.05; 95% CI: (1.31-7.13); p=0.009] compared to the T-MVR cohort. Conclusion: Compared to T-MVR, S-MVR was associated with higher odds of MACCE, in-hospital mortality and periprocedural complications suggesting that T-MVR might be a safer option for MVR among patients with prior mediastinal radiation.

External Beam Radiotherapy for Malignant Central Airway Obstruction in a Remote Rural Patient: A Case Study

Introduction: Malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO) is a challenging therapeutic scenario, caused by tumour burden which limits airflow within the large airways. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung accounts for 50% of MCAO seen in the setting of non-small cell lung cancer. Here, we present the challenging case of a 63-year-old Indigenous Australian Female rom a remote rural community with background history of metastatic SCC of presumed pulmonary origin, who presented with a 1-week history of dyspnoea, stridor, and hoarse voice. Case Presentation: A CT chest and neck demonstrated a superior mediastinal mass compressing the trachea to a narrowest diameter of 3 mm. The patient was stabilised in her local health centre, then transferred to our tertiary care facility for further evaluation and management. This stenotic lesion was not amenable to bronchoscopic or surgical intervention but was instead treated successfully with a short course of external beam radiotherapy, to total dose of 25Gy delivered over 10 fractions. The patient had almost complete resolution of respiratory symptoms with no significant radiotherapy related toxicity. Conclusion: Here, we discuss a challenging case of MCAO in a remote rural Australian patient and demonstrate the utility of external beam radiotherapy in this setting. We also discuss aspects of cancer related healthcare disparities which exist for Indigenous Australians. In doing so, we wish to highlight the need for improved cancer healthcare for such communities.

Mixed-phenotype leukemia with TCF3::ZNF384 fusion presenting as an isolated mediastinal mass

Abstract Acute leukemia with TCF3::ZNF384 is a distinct type of acute leukemia that present most commonly as B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia or mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (B/myeloid). We report the first case of TCF3::ZNF384 mixed-phenotype leukemia presenting as isolated extramedullary disease in the mediastinum. Diagnosis using RNA-sequencing and whole genome sequencing on the primary issue is illustrated.

NCMP-22. CO-OCCURRENCE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND HODGKIN LYMPHOMA. IS THERE A COMMON PATHOPHYSIOLOGY?

Abstract BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) share common epidemiology, genetics and immunological factors. Both affect immune activation, cell proliferation and lymphocyte-mediated immunity. However, occurrence of these two distinct clinical conditions is rare. We present a case of a woman with transverse myelitis fulfilling criteria for MS with synchronous HL. CASE REPORT A 37-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with bilateral leg weakness, numbness and urinary retention. A contrasted MRI of the brain and thoracic spine showed non-specific, non-enhancing white-matter lesions in the brain, and patchy areas of peripheral contrast-enhancement with T2-hyperintensity in the thoracic cord. Treatment with steroid infusion resulted in mild improvements of leg weakness and numbness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated oligoclonal bands (OCB) and increased IgG index. Serum was positive for JCV antibody. Due to the atypical MRI findings, namely the peripheral nature of thoracic contrast-enhancement, we were concerned for other inflammatory or autoimmune etiologies. A computed tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis revealed a large mediastinal mass and enlarged lymph nodes. A biopsy revealed classic HL. Three-months later, a follow-up MRI brain showed worsening contrast-enhanced lesions. A repeat CSF study revealed normal OCBs and IgG index. CSF was negative for malignant cells and JC virus DNA. To rule out a rare possibility of central nervous system HL, a biopsy of an enhancing brain lesion was obtained, which showed focal gliosis and focal perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates. No malignant cells were observed. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and started systemic chemotherapy (doxorubicin, bleomycin, dacarbazine and vinblastine) for HL. CONCLUSIONS We report a case of an atypical transverse myelitis with HL. Although familial genetic clustering has been described, other potential common risk-factors between MS and HL are Epstein-Barr Virus infection and immunologic overlap, particularly in the context of lymphocyte-mediated immunity.

Posterior mediastinal extralobar pulmonary sequestration in a neonate with pulmonary artery supply: a case report

This paper reports a rare case of extralobar pulmonary sequestration in the posterior mediastinum of a neonate with arterial supply from the pulmonary artery. A 3-day-old male neonate was diagnosed with type II congenital pulmonary airway malformation after prenatal color Doppler ultrasonography showed a lesion with blood supply from the pulmonary artery in the left lung. Post-birth chest computed tomography(CT) showed that the lesion was located in the posterior mediastinum with low density change, mild stripe enhancement after contrast, and no obvious blood supply vessels. A neurogenic tumor was considered for the preoperative diagnosis. The mass was removed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. During the surgery, the mass was observed to be a dark red solid lump with a feeding vessel originating from the pulmonary artery. The postoperative histopathological diagnosis was extralobar pulmonary sequestration. Combined with the preoperative imaging results, it was considered that the nourishing vessels might have intermittent torsion. The patient recovered well after surgery, and no recurrence was observed after 6 months of follow-up. Therefore, the possibility of extralobar pulmonary sequestration cannot be ruled out for posterior mediastinal masses that are not supplied by the descending aorta or without identified feeding vessels.

MiRNAs in the diagnosis and therapy of cardiac and mediastinal tumors: a new dawn for cardio-oncology?

Dysfunctions in miRNA production have been recently investigated as predictors of neoplasms and their therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the available knowledge on miRNAs and cardiac tumors (such as myxoma) and mediastinal tumors (such as thymoma) and propose new avenues for future research. MiRNAs are crucial for cardiac development through the expression of cardiac transcription factors (miR-335-5p), hinder the cell cycle by modulating the activity of transcription factors (miR-126-3p, miR-320a), modulate the production of inflammatory factors such as interleukins (miR-217), and interfere with cell proliferation or apoptosis (miR-218, miR-634 and miR-122). Current and future research on miRNAs is essential, as a deep understanding could lead to a revolution in the field of diagnostics and prevention of neoplastic diseases.

Rare atypical type a thymoma: a case report and literature review

BackgroundAn atypical type A thymoma variant was recently added to the World Health Organization classification of type A thymoma in 2015. This novel form of type A thymoma presents with hypercellularity, increased mitotic activity, and necrosis. In particular, necrosis seems to be related to postoperative recurrence and metastasis, but the clinical significance of these changes still needs to be studied.Case presentationA 76-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic surgery for tumour resection due to an anterior mediastinal mass. Pathological examination revealed that the tumour invaded the surrounding thymic tissue. Cells were arranged in nest-like and whirl-like patterns, accompanied by prominent comedo-like necrosis, increased cell density, mild atypia, and a mitotic count of 4–6 per 10 high-power fields. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive expression of cytokeratin 19 and P63 in the tumour cells. Lymphocytes in the background were positive for CD3 and CD5, did not express terminal deoxynucleotide transferase, CD20, or CD117, and had an MIB-1 labelling index(LI) value of 15%. On the basis of these findings, the tumour was finally diagnosed as an atypical type A thymoma variant.ConclusionsWe report a case of atypical type A thymoma and review the literature to enhance our understanding of and provide accumulated pathological data on this rare disease.

Parathyroid apoplexy from giant adenoma with mediastinal extension: A case report

<b>Introduction</b>: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) results from an excess secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), primarily due to parathyroid adenomas. These adenomas are more prevalent in women and, although rare, can develop into giant adenomas. One infrequent but notable complication of giant adenomas is parathyroid apoplexy. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the case of a Peruvian female patient diagnosed with PHPT secondary to a giant parathyroid adenoma, whose surgical treatment confirmed its apoplexy.<br /> <b>Case report</b>: A 42-year-old Peruvian woman with hypertension and stage IV chronic kidney disease presented with a non-productive cough, dysphonia, and acute chest pain, revealing a mediastinal tumor on imaging. Physical examination showed no cervical tumors, and biochemical tests revealed elevated levels of total calcium and intact PTH, while serum phosphorus and calcitonin levels were normal. Imaging elucidated a parathyroid adenoma with mediastinal extension. Surgical intervention involved right parathyroidectomy, unveiling a 6 × 6 cm tumor with cystic and hemorrhagic degeneration, confirming the diagnosis of parathyroid apoplexy from a giant adenoma.<br /> <b>Conclusions</b>: Giant parathyroid adenoma should be considered in patients presenting with a mediastinal mass and hypercalcemia. This condition can be complicated by parathyroid apoplexy in the context of PHPT. Timely imaging and surgical intervention are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes, with diagnosis confirmed through histopathology.

Current Trends in the Surgical Management of Yolk Sac Tumors

Mediastinal yolk sac tumors (YST) constitute a highly malignant subtype of primary non-seminomatous germ cell tumors, which are often locally advanced and unresectable at diagnosis. Due to their rarity and aggressiveness, there is not yet a standard optimal treatment approach. A widely employed multimodal strategy involves neoadjuvant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy followed by consolidation surgery. Tumor infiltration into the lungs and adjacent cardiovascular structures is common, such that surgical intervention typically requires extensive resections, performed either by sternotomy or thoracotomy. For this review, we extensively searched the PubMed and Embase medical databases, identifying articles describing surgical treatment of mediastinal yolk sac tumors. The current literature provides limited details regarding the utilized surgical procedures, leaving clinicians without comprehensive guidance about the demanding nature of these resections. Here, we present a narrative description of the range of current surgical procedures. By highlighting these techniques, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current surgical landscape, thereby helping clinicians understand the potential complexities and considerations involved in managing these rare and aggressive tumors.

Unexpected Mediastinal Mass Etiology in B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

ABSTRACT Leukemic masses are a known complication in patients with hematologic malignancies. Here we present a case regarding a patient with recently diagnosed B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) who presented with multiple sites of extramedullary involvement including an anterior mediastinal mass. This mass persisted despite multiple rounds of multiagent cytotoxic therapy. In this report, we summarize the literature regarding mediastinal masses in the setting of B-ALL and illustrate that such masses in patients with leukemias may have surprising etiology, separate from the primary disease.

Mature mediastinal teratoma with adhesions to the pericardium: A rare case report.

Mature mediastinal teratoma (MMT) is a benign tumor that is composed of well-differentiated tissues from all three germ cell layers. Malignant tumors have a distinct feature of adhering to the surrounding organs. Therefore, adhesion of MMT to the adjacent tissues, as a benign tumor, is rare and considered a surgical challenge. It leads to incomplete tumor resection to avoid damage to the surrounding tissues. MMT is a germ cell tumor that contains well-differentiated tissues from ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal germ cell layers. MMT comprises approximately 3%-12% of mediastinal tumors in adults and 60%-70% of mediastinal germ cell tumors. Complete surgical resection is the standard treatment. When adhesion to the surrounding tissues is present, residual tissues could be retained to reduce the injury of the peripheral blood vessels and nerves. We are reporting a rare case of MMT with adhesions to the pericardium and discussing the diagnostic and surgical challenges.

Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: Update From the WHO Classification of Tumors: 5th Edition

Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: Update From the WHO Classification of Tumors: 5th Edition

A case report of intrapulmonary mature teratoma with aspergilloma

Introduction: Teratomas are benign germ cell tumors composed of components from the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. While germ cell tumors account for 10-20% of anterior mediastinal masses, intrapulmonary teratomas (IPTs) are extremely rare. They typically occur in the third decade of life and may present as metastasis from gonadal tumors. This study reports a rare case of a mature IPT in the right middle lobe of the lung, initially misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and aspergilloma. Case Presentation: A 17-year-old female presented with a 4-year history of cough with sputum and two episodes of hemoptysis. Despite negative tuberculosis tests, she was treated with anti-tubercular drugs and multiple antibiotics. Imaging revealed a 5.5-cm cavitary mass in the right middle lobe containing an aspergilloma. Surgical resection was performed, and the pathology confirmed a mature teratoma with aspergilloma colonization. The patient recovered well postoperatively and showed no signs of recurrence. Discussion: Teratomas are germ cell tumors rarely found in the lungs, with fewer than 100 cases reported globally. Diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions such as tuberculosis. In this case, the presence of an aspergilloma further complicated the diagnosis. Complete surgical resection led to the patient's recovery. Conclusion: Mature IPTs with aspergilloma are extremely rare, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cavitary lung lesions. Early diagnosis and surgical resection are crucial for successful treatment.

"Mini Brain" Appearance in Spinal Metastasis From Type A Thymoma Detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT.

A 66-year-old man presented with persistent dull pain in the lower back for over 7 months. An expansile lytic lesion in the L4 vertebral body showed a characteristic "mini brain" appearance on MRI, which is highly suggestive of plasmacytoma. 18F-FDG PET/CT scan revealed increased FDG uptake in the L4 lesion, with an additional finding of a mass in the anterior mediastinum that showed mild FDG uptake. Lumbar surgery and complete resection of the anterior mediastinum tumor confirmed spinal metastatic type A thymoma, which was classified as p-T1aN0M1b, stage IVb. The patient's condition improved postsurgery and chemotherapy, with long-term follow-up necessary due to recurrence risk.

Impact of the expanded indication of robot-assisted thoracic surgery for mediastinal tumors

Impact of the expanded indication of robot-assisted thoracic surgery for mediastinal tumors

Ectopic Mediastinal Thyroid: A Crossroad Between a Multi-Layered Endocrine Perspective and a Contemporary Approach in Thoracic Surgery

An ectopic thyroid (ET) involves numerous scenarios of detection and outcomes, while its current management is not standardised. A mediastinal ET (MET) represents a low index of suspicion. In this paper, we introduce a 47-year-old female who was accidentally identified with an MET, and a modern surgical approach was provided. An anterior mediastinal mass of 3.2 cm was found at CT upon a prior COVID-19 infection. Previous to the infection, she experienced non-specific complaints for a few months (intermittent night sweats, facial erythema, chest pressure, and dyspnoea). Also, CT identified a thymus-like mass and a left adrenal incidentaloma of 3 cm. The endocrine panel was normal, and the subject declined further investigations. She was re-admitted 12 months later: the MET had increased +1 cm (+45% volume) and was confirmed at a 99mTc pertechnetate scintigraphy. Noting the symptoms, mediastinal anatomy, and size change, the MET was removed via a minimally invasive trans-cervical approach (eutopic gland preservation) with the help of a Cooper thymectomy retractor (which also allowed for a synchronous thymus mass resection). No post-operatory complications were registered, the thyroid function remained normal, and the mentioned symptoms were remitted. A histological exam confirmed a benign MET and thymus hyperplasia, respectively. To conclude, this case pinpoints important aspects, such as the clinical picture became clear only upon thoracic surgery due to the complete remission of the complaints that initially seemed widely non-specific. The incidental MET finding was associated with a second (adrenal) incidentaloma, a scenario that might not be so rare, following multiple imaging scans amid the COVID-19 era (no common pathogenic traits have been identified so far). The co-presence of a thymus mass represented one more argument for surgery. Minimally invasive cervicotomy associated with eutopic gland conservation and the use of a Cooper thymectomy retractor highlight modern aspects in video-assisted thoracic surgery, which provided an excellent outcome, involving one of the lowest mediastinal thyroids to be removed by this specific procedure. Awareness of such unusual entities helps inform individualised, multidisciplinary decisions for optimum prognoses.

326 Need of ITV margin for mediastinal tumours in patients treated with DIBH technique

326 Need of ITV margin for mediastinal tumours in patients treated with DIBH technique

Ruptured solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura with hemothorax: a case report

BackgroundThe majority of the patients with a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura are asymptomatic, and rupture of an SFT with hemothorax is rare.Case presentationA 48-year-old man was taken by ambulance to our hospital because of sudden onset of left chest pain. Two months before the referral, a tumor was detected in the left upper lobe of the lung by screening computed tomography at another hospital, and further observation was recommended, because the tumor was suspected to be benign. Our contrast-enhanced computed tomography analysis of the chest revealed a solid tumor (5 cm in diameter) with an irregular enhancement effect close to the pericardium and pleural effusion in the left thoracic cavity. Pleural effusion was not detected in the previous imaging analysis. CT number of the pleural effusion was 40 HU, and the pleural effusion was suspected to be hematogenous. Therefore, rupture of the tumor with bleeding was suspected as the cause of the effusion because of the sudden onset. Preoperative diagnosis was a mediastinal tumor, such as a teratoma, because the tumor was close to the pericardium. Thoracoscopic surgery was performed with the patient in the right lateral decubitus position; bloody pleural effusion was observed and drained. The tumor originated from the visceral pleura of the left upper lobe of the lung and was resected with a surgical stapler. Macroscopic analyses of the resected tumor indicated that bleeding were caused by the rupture of the tumor at the defect of the capsule wall. The operation took 63 min. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was a benign SFT. Hemorrhage was observed just under the capsule wall of the tumor. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and he was discharged 2 days after surgery.ConclusionsEven when an SFT is neither huge nor malignant, rupture can occur, and resection should be considered regardless of the size or malignant characteristics. After an SFT rupture, careful follow-up is needed to monitor for the intrathoracic recurrence or dissemination of the tumor.

Privacy enhancing and generalizable deep learning with synthetic data for mediastinal neoplasm diagnosis

The success of deep learning (DL) relies heavily on training data from which DL models encapsulate information. Consequently, the development and deployment of DL models expose data to potential privacy breaches, which are particularly critical in data-sensitive contexts like medicine. We propose a new technique named DiffGuard that generates realistic and diverse synthetic medical images with annotations, even indistinguishable for experts, to replace real data for DL model training, which cuts off their direct connection and enhances privacy safety. We demonstrate that DiffGuard enhances privacy safety with much less data leakage and better resistance against privacy attacks on data and model. It also improves the accuracy and generalizability of DL models for segmentation and classification of mediastinal neoplasms in multi-center evaluation. We expect that our solution would enlighten the road to privacy-preserving DL for precision medicine, promote data and model sharing, and inspire more innovation on artificial-intelligence-generated-content technologies for medicine.