Pediatric Cases Research Articles

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Custom Large Language Model on Rare Pediatric Disease Case Reports.

Accurately diagnosing rare pediatric diseases frequently represent a clinical challenge due to their complex and unusual clinical presentations. Here, we explore the capabilities of three large language models (LLMs), GPT-4, Gemini Pro, and a custom-built LLM (GPT-4 integrated with the Human Phenotype Ontology [GPT-4 HPO]), by evaluating their diagnostic performance on 61 rare pediatric disease case reports. The performance of the LLMs were assessed for accuracy in identifying specific diagnoses, listing the correct diagnosis among a differential list, and broad disease categories. In addition, GPT-4 HPO was tested on 100 general pediatrics case reports previously assessed on other LLMs to further validate its performance. The results indicated that GPT-4 was able to predict the correct diagnosis with a diagnostic accuracy of 13.1%, whereas both GPT-4 HPO and Gemini Pro had diagnostic accuracies of 8.2%. Further, GPT-4 HPO showed an improved performance compared with the other two LLMs in identifying the correct diagnosis among its differential list and the broad disease category. Although these findings underscore the potential of LLMs for diagnostic support, particularly when enhanced with domain-specific ontologies, they also stress the need for further improvement prior to integration into clinical practice.

Visual Impairment at Presentation in Pediatric Uveitis: A Multicentric Study in 477 Children Across Southern and Eastern India

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate visual impairment (VI) at presentation in pediatric uveitis cases in southern and eastern India. Methods Retrospective analysis of 477 children across four tertiary centers (2015–2020). Best-documented visual acuity (ETDRS letters) in the better eye was used to categorize VI. Results Mean age at presentation was 11 ± 3.7 years; 43.8% were females, and 64.8% bilateral. Of 205 patients with complete investigations, 32.7% were undifferentiated uveitis, 31.7% infectious, 25.7% juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis, and 10.2% other non-infectious uveitis. At presentation, 79.0% had none to mild VI, 12.6% moderate VI, and 8.4% severe VI to blindness. On generalized estimating equations analysis for individual eyes, prior oral steroids and older age were risk factors, while female gender, prior topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy were protective against moderate and/or severe VI. Conclusions Over a fifth of pediatric uveitis cases present with moderate/severe VI, especially in older age or with prior oral corticosteroid therapy.

Identification, mapping, and self-reported practice patterns of village doctors in Sitakunda subdistrict, Bangladesh.

Informally trained health care providers, such as village doctors in Bangladesh, are crucial in providing health care services to the rural poor in low- and middle-income countries. Despite being one of the primary vendors of antibiotics in rural Bangladesh, village doctors often have limited knowledge about appropriate antibiotic use, leading to varied and potentially inappropriate dispensing and treatment practices. In this study, we aimed to identify, map, and survey village doctors in the Sitakunda subdistrict of Bangladesh to understand their distribution, practice characteristics, clinical behaviours, access to technologies, and use of these technologies for clinical decision-making. Using a 'snowball' sampling method, we identified and mapped 411 village doctors, with 371 agreeing to complete a structured survey. The median distance between a residential household and the closest village doctor practice was 0.37 km, and over half of the practices (51.2%) were within 100 m of the major highway. Village doctors were predominately male (98.7%), with a median age of 39. After completing village doctor training, 39.4% had completed an internship, with a median of 15 years of practice experience. Village doctors reported seeing a median of 84 patients per week, including a median of five paediatric diarrhoea cases per week. They stocked a range of antibiotics, with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole being the most prescribed for diarrhoea. Most had access to phones with an internet connection and used online resources for clinical decision-making and guidance. The findings provide insights into the characteristics and practices of village doctors and point to the potential for internet and phone-based interventions to improve patient care and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in this health care provider group.

Guillain-Barrè Syndrome-Retrospective Analysis of Data from a Cohort of Patients Referred to a Tertiary Care Pediatric Neuromuscular Center from 2000 to 2017: Electrophysiological Findings, Outcomes, and a Brief Literature Review.

Background and Objectives: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most frequent cause of acute flaccid paresis in children. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and electrophysiological findings and outcomes of children with GBS diagnosed in our unit. Moreover, the literature on pediatric GBS cases from the past 5 years was reviewed. In this retrospective study, we reported data on 12 patients (9 male and 3 female patients; mean age: 5 y, 4 mo; range: 9 mo-11 y) clinically diagnosed at the Child Neurology Unit of the AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Italy, between 2000 and 2017 and a brief analysis/comparison with data from the literature. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from medical charts. Results: In our cohort, male patients were more frequent than female ones (9 vs. 3), and upper respiratory tract infection (n = 8, 66.7%) was the most frequent triggering factor. The main clinical symptoms on admission were distal lower limbs' weakness with gait difficulties (83.3%), pain (50%), upper limbs' weakness (50%), and dysphagia for liquids (25%). Peripheral neurophysiological studies revealed acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) in 66.6% of the children, acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) in 25%, and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) in 8.3%. Ten individuals (83.3%) received timely treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and, out of these ten patients, 58% received concomitant treatment with IV methylprednisolone because of a progressive disease course. Complete remission was observed in the majority of individuals (91.6%) within 6 months of symptom onset. Conclusions: Different subtypes of GBS can affect children; however, the outcome is usually positive. Early treatment appears to be important for a favorable outcome.

Erythema nodosum leprosum: A pediatric case report successfully treated with thalidomide

We present the case of a 10-year-old patient who visited our hospital with prolonged fever, multiple nodular lesions on the skin, and diagnostic studies that confirmed leprosy. As a complication, there is a type 2 leprosy reaction that does not respond adequately to the use of steroids; therefore, we used thalidomide, a medication that is infrequently used in children. However, we were able to control the inflammatory response.

Potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma identified through miRNA expression profiling.

Pediatric Burkitt lymphoma (pBL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children. These patients require prompt diagnosis and initiation of therapy due to rapid tumor growth. The roles of tumor tissue and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the diagnosis or prognostication have not been fully elucidated in pBLs. Differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified with microRNA sequencing (miRNA-Seq) in tumor tissues and plasma of diagnostic pBLs. The diagnostic potential of total miRNA concentrations and overexpressed miRNAs were evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Log-rank test was employed to evaluate survival differences associated with DE miRNAs. Selected miRNA expressions were cross-validated with quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Total circulating cell-free miRNAs were higher in pBL cases compared to controls. Cancer-associated pathways were enriched among miRNAs differentially expressed in pBL tumor tissues. Several upregulated miRNAs in pBL tumors demonstrated high diagnostic potential. Similarly, ROC analysis of overexpressed plasma miRNAs revealed circulating cell-free or exosomal miRNAs that can distinguish pBLs from control cases. Indeed, integrative analysis of overexpressed circulating exosomal miRNAs showed an enhanced diagnostic potential for certain triple combinations. Kaplan-Meier analyses of DE miRNAs in tumor tissues identified miRNAs predicting overall survival. Differentially expressed miRNAs in tumor tissue and plasma of pBL have the potential to improve diagnosis and prognosis. Differentially expressed miRNAs in treatment-naive pediatric Burkitt lymphoma cases have diagnostic or prognostic biomarker potential. This is the first study that applied miRNA-Seq on treatment-naive pediatric Burkitt lymphoma cases for identification of differentially expressed miRNAs both in tumor tissue and plasma samples with diagnostic potential. Through systematic analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs, tumor tissue miRNAs associated with the overall survival of pBLs have been discovered. The clinically significant, differentially expressed miRNAs identified in pediatric Burkitt lymphoma cases can potentially improve the current tissue-based or non-invasive clinical practice in terms of diagnosis or prognostication.

The Multiple Sclerosis Prodrome in a Retrospective Pediatric Cohort

BackgroundEvidence suggests a prodromal phase in multiple sclerosis (MS), with increased health care use preceding the first demyelinating event (FDE). Although prior studies have explored this in adults, limited data exist for pediatric cases. We aimed to analyze health care utilization and prodromal symptoms in the two years before FDE in patients with pediatric-onset MS (POMS). MethodsFrom 122 patients at the Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis & Demyelinating Diseases Center at Washington University School of Medicine from 2011 to 2021, 37 POMS cases were identified. Of these, 21 with at least two years of records preceding FDE were included. Retrospective analysis covered symptoms and health care utilization in the two-year period before FDE, including ambulatory visits, hospital admissions, and office calls. ResultsPatients showed increased health care utilization in the year preceding FDE (period B; 96 interactions) compared with the prior year (period A; 77 interactions) and an increase in the percentage of neurology-related encounters (P < 0.001). There was an increase in all office calls from period A to period B (P = 0.01). Neurological complaints included headaches (28.6%), visual (19.0%), sensory (14.3%), and balance (14.3%) in the two years before FDE, and 28.6% of patients presented for psychiatric complaints. Common non-neurological complaints included infection, dermatologic, and musculoskeletal issues and injury. ConclusionsOur POMS cohort showed increased health care use before FDE, consistent with population-based data. This study emphasizes diverse symptoms in prodromal POMS, with headaches being the most common neurological symptom in the two-year period before FDE.

A fatal pediatric case of acute fulminant cerebral edema with COVID-19 in Korea: a case report

Although most children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection present with mild symptoms, a few pediatric patients develop severe neurological manifestations. Herein, we describe the case of a pediatric patient who presented with rapidly progressive diffuse and fatal cerebral edema associated with COVID-19. A previously healthy 6-year-old boy was diagnosed with acute fulminant cerebral edema (AFCE), which resulted in transtentorial downward herniation within 48 hours after the initial onset of fever. Detailed history-taking, close monitoring of the consciousness level with serial neurological examinations, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are required in patients suspected to have AFCE. Further research is needed to identify the pathogenesis of AFCE associated with COVID-19 and the related risk factors.

WP4.14 - Association of Socioeconomical Status and Disparity In Paediatric Burn: Results From The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2019

Abstract Background Burn represents a significant contributor to both morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population and is closely related to socioeconomic and geographic factors but is often overlooked. This study aims to estimate the unbalanced distributions, temporal trends and quality of care in paediatric burn. Methods Data focusing on paediatric population (&amp;lt;20 years old) was sourced from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 stratified by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and WHO region, including incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Joinpoint regression analysis and principal component analysis were conducted to compute the temporal trend and quality of care (QCI) index respectively. Result In 2019, 3,719,806 paediatric burn cases were reported, resulting in 23,986 deaths and 2,240,311 DALYs globally. Over 40% of deaths and DALYs attributable to burn occur in the African region, despite the region accounting for around 20% of the total incidence. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) from 2010-2019 was 0.419 per 100,000 but death (ASDR) and DALYs (ASDALYs) were reduced at the rate of 3.04 per 100,000 and 2.92 per 100,000 respectively. The global QCI for paediatric burn was 88 with a proportional trend observed across SDI quintiles Significant association in between SDI scores and gender disparity and quality of care was observed. Conclusion This study highlights the significant burden of paediatric burn and its disproportionate global distribution. Preventive measures, enhancing access to quality healthcare, and addressing the social and economic determinants of burn should be addressed in future studies.

Global Sex Disparities in Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review collates evidence for sex biases in the receipt of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients globally. The MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and Embase databases were screened for relevant literature, dated from inception to March 9, 2022. Studies evaluating the association between BCPR and sex/gender in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, except for pediatric populations and cardiac arrest cases with traumatic cause, were included. The review included 80 articles on BCPR in men and women globally; 58 of these studies evaluated sex differences in BCPR outcomes. Fifty-nine percent of the relevant studies (34/58) indicated that women are less likely recipients of BCPR, 36% (21/58) observed no significant sex differences, and 5% (3/58) reported that women are more likely to receive BCPR. In other studies, women were found to be less likely to receive BCPR in public but equally or more likely to receive BCPR in residential settings. The general reluctance to perform BCPR on women in the Western countries was attributed to perceived frailty of women, chest exposure, pregnancy, gender stereotypes, oversexualization of women's bodies, and belief that women are unlikely to experience a cardiac arrest. Most studies worldwide indicated that women were less likely to receive BCPR than men. Further research from non-Western countries is needed to understand the impact of cultural and socioeconomic settings on such biases and design customized interventions accordingly.

The Cardiac Manifestations of Post-streptococcal Infection in Paediatrics: Case Series

Introduction: Group A streptococcus (GAS) remains a global burden, particularly in developing countries, with long-term morbidity and mortality complications. Different strains and immune responses to GAS can lead to various disease patterns, from predominantly throat and skin manifestations to renal and cardiac involvement. Myocarditis associated with glomerulonephritis can progress to carditis, which may present with signs and symptoms similar to rheumatic heart disease. Although uncommon, this condition can deteriorate into dilated cardiomyopathy, potentially leading to cardiogenic shock and death, necessitating early recognition, intervention, and preventive measures. Case Presentation: We report three pediatric cases of post-streptococcal infection with cardiac manifestations. The first case involves an 8-year-old female with palpitations and a recurring cough, diagnosed with acute rheumatic carditis. The second case is a 10-year-old female presenting with hemoptysis and edema in the lungs and extremities due to acute rheumatic carditis and prior suspected vegetation. The third case is a 9-year-old male initially diagnosed with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), who deteriorated into dilated cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction of 32% and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. All three patients recovered well, received prophylactic management, and were referred for further investigation. Conclusions: Identifying specific features on echocardiography can help differentiate between rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and PSGN-associated cardiac involvement. Additionally, echocardiography is a more readily available and cost-effective screening method, especially in endemic populations. Early recognition and management of post-streptococcal cardiac complications may prevent long-term morbidity and mortality.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge Caused by Candida albicans and Aspergillus spp. Infections in a Pediatric Patient as a Complication of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Fungal infections constitute a significant challenge and continue to be a predominant cause of treatment failure in pediatric leukemia cases. Despite the implementation of antifungal prophylaxis, these infections contribute to approximately 20% of cases in children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The aim of this study is to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with invasive fungal infections (IFIs). We also present a review of the epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, and a clinical presentation of IFI in patients with ALL. This case report details the clinical course of confirmed Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Aspergillus spp. infections during the consolidation phase of ALL treatment in a 5-year-old pediatric patient. This male patient did not experience any complications until Day 28 of protocol II. Then, the patient's condition deteriorated. Blood culture detected the growth of C. albicans. Despite the implementation of targeted therapy, the boy's condition did not show improvement. The appearance of respiratory symptoms necessitated a computed tomography (CT) of the chest, which revealed multiple nodular densities atypical for C. albicans etiology. In spite of ongoing antifungal treatment, the lesions depicted in the CT scans showed no regression. A lung biopsy ultimately identified Aspergillus species as the source of the infection. Overcoming fungal infections poses a considerable challenge; therefore, an accurate diagnosis and the prompt initiation of targeted therapy are crucial in managing these infections in patients with leukemia.

Do Reasons Matter? Navigating Parents’ Reasons in Healthcare Decisions for Children

Bioethics has dedicated itself to exploring and defending both reasons for and against certain aspects of clinical care, biomedical research and health policy, including what decisions must be made, who should make them, and how they should be made. In pediatrics, it’s widely acknowledged that parents’ reasons may matter pragmatically; attending to parents’ reasons is important if we want to work with families. Yet the conventional view in pediatric ethics is that parents’ reasons are irrelevant to whether a decision is permissible or impermissible according to accepted ethical standards. In this paper, we explore whether parents’ reasons matter ethically and, if so, in what way and for whom. First, we clarify what we mean by ‘reasons.’ Second, we provide an overview of how reasons are typically treated in medical decision-making and pediatric ethics. Third, we analyze a hypothetical pediatric case to illustrate how changing reasons can transform ethical analyses, including by contributing to where and how clinicians and ethicists draw the boundaries intrinsic to common pediatric ethical frameworks. We push back against the conventional view and argue that parents’ reasons matter ethically in several ways. We call for further research on the role of parents’ reasons in clinical ethics deliberation.

Cushing's Syndrome and Topical Corticosteroids in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review

Introduction Despite the increasing number of pediatric cases of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (CS) due to topical corticosteroids, systematic reviews are lacking to provide comprehensive insights into the disease. This study aims to provide a systematic overview of the disease. Methods Relevant literature was identified using Google Scholar and PubMed. The search strategy was restricted to studies on human published in English. The inclusion criteria encompassed confirmed pediatric cases of iatrogenic CS induced by topical corticosteroids. Results The mean age of the cases was 38.8 months, with a female gender predominance (57.1%). Abnormalities in growth patterns were observed in approximately 75% of the cases. The most common clinical presentation was a "moon face" appearance (74.6%), followed by weight gain (55.5%). Clobetasol propionate was the most frequently used topical steroid (54%), followed by betamethasone types (35%). The mean duration of steroid use was 25.4 weeks. The primary indications for steroid use were dermatitis (47.6%), psoriasis (17.5%), and scabies (15.9%). Laboratory tests for adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels revealed low levels in 73% and 78% of cases, respectively. All cases had their initial steroid discontinued. Oral hydrocortisone was the primary replacement therapy (39.7%), followed by sulfur cream (12.7%). Fifty-one cases (81%) recovered from the disease. Partial recovery was observed in 2 cases (3.2%), while four cases (6.3%) did not survive. Conclusion A specialist should supervise topical corticosteroid administration, and parents need to be fully informed about the proper usage and potential side effects to avoid iatrogenic CS and other complications.

Shifts in Paediatric Road Trauma Dynamics Pre- vs. Post-COVID-19 Lockdown: Insights from a Major Trauma Centre.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes globally, significantly affecting public health sectors, including paediatric road trauma. This study aims to explore the changes in paediatric road trauma presentations and outcomes before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. This retrospective study analysed paediatric trauma data from the Saudi TraumA Registry (STAR) from August 2017 to December 2022, comparing pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown periods (August 2017-March 2020 and July 2020-December 2022, respectively). The study analysed demographic data, mechanism of injury, severity, ICU admissions, and mortality rates using multivariate logistic regression models. Out of 950 paediatric trauma cases analysed, there was an 44.2 [561/389 = 1.442] % increase in the number of cases post-lockdown. A significant shift was noted in the age group of 5-9 years, with cases increasing from post-lockdown. Head injuries were the most prevalent type of injury, with their proportion slightly increasing from 163 (20.5%) pre-lockdown to 248 (23.2%) post-lockdown. The ICU admission were consistent across both periods, while the definitive care mode of arrival post-lockdown showed a notable shift towards private or government ambulances. Our study provides critical insights into the significant impact of the COVID-19 on paediatric road trauma. The observed increase in trauma cases post-pandemic, particularly among younger children and a notable rise in driver-related injuries among adolescents, underscores the profound effect of lockdown measures and subsequent societal changes on paediatric health. Efforts to reduce paediatric traffic injuries require collaboration among parents, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the community at large.

Clinical Presentations of Parvovirus B19: A Case Series.

Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a small, nonenveloped, single-stranded DNA virus commonly causing asymptomatic infections or mild, flu-like symptoms. In children, PVB19 can lead to various clinical conditions, including erythema infectiosum, arthropathy, transient aplastic crisis and papular-purpuric eruptions, among others. We present 3 pediatric cases treated at Luigi Sacco University Hospital in Milan, Italy, in March 2024, each demonstrating distinct manifestations of PVB19 infection. Case 1 involved a 7-year-old girl with a maculopapular rash and panniculitis-like symptoms. Case 2 described an 8-year-old boy with a maculopapular rash, vasculitis component and mild thrombocytopenia. Case 3 focused on a 7-year-old girl with petechial and purpuric eruptions and a mild decrease in platelets. Serological tests confirmed PVB19 infection in all cases. The discussed cases highlight the heterogeneous clinical spectrum of PVB19 infection and emphasize its potential to cause thrombocytopenia even in healthy children. The recent surge in PVB19 cases in Europe, aligned with known epidemiological cycles, underscores the importance of vigilance in diagnosis, particularly during peak seasons. Additionally, concerning the role of serological testing in the diagnostic process, the potential for cross-reactivity among viral antigens is pointed out. PVB19 is a common infection with a broad range of clinical presentations. Awareness of its potential complications, including thrombocytopenia, even in nonimmunocompromised children, is crucial. Moreover, understanding the epidemiological patterns of PVB19 can aid in anticipating and managing outbreaks, thus minimizing its impact on pediatric health.

The epidemic characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection among children in Anhui, China, 2015-2023.

The number of pediatric respiratory tract infection cases in China has significantly increased this year, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the main pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of M. pneumoniae in children in the Anhui region and provide evidence for the prevention and control strategies of M. pneumoniae in children in this region.

Pediatric Intranasal Lobular Capillary Hemangioma: A Scoping Review and Multimedia Case Presentation.

Systematic, scoping literature review and case presentation. The goal of this study is to review current literature on management trends and outcomes of pediatric intranasal lobular capillary hemangioma (ILCH). A 14-year-old male patient presented with a 15-month history of unilateral epistaxis, nasal congestion, and mouth breathing. Further workup revealed a pale nasal mass obstructing the right nasal cavity. The patient was successfully treated using a minimally invasive endoscopic endonasal approach for mass resection and nasal floor free mucosal graft for septal reconstruction. Independent queries of the PubMed Central, MEDLINE, and Bookshelf databases were performed; articles from 1990 to 2023 were abstracted. All studies that described pediatric ILCH using the Boolean method and relevant search term combinations, including "Intranasal," "Lobular capillary hemangioma," "Pyogenic granuloma," "Pediatric," "Outcome," and "Management," were collected for subsequent analysis. A total of 407 relevant unique articles were identified for analysis. Of these, 19 articles were deemed appropriate for inclusion in this literature review. Twenty-two pediatric ILCH cases were identified with a mean age at diagnosis of 10.5 years. The majority of cases occurred in males and presented with recurrent epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Most lesions originated from the anterior nasal septum and were resected using an endoscopic endonasal approach with no recurrence at last follow-up. Pediatric ILCH, a benign vascular neoplasm, often presents with unilateral nasal obstruction and severe, refractory epistaxis. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the importance of including this lesion in the differential diagnosis for unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis in young children.

Clinical Epidemiology of Norovirus-Induced Diarrhea in Pediatric Patients at a Regional Public Hospital

Norovirus is The primary cause of acute conditions. gastroenteritis globally, particularly in children under five years old. This study aims to investigate the clinical epidemiology of norovirus infection among pediatric patients presenting with diarrhea at a regional public hospital. We conducted a retrospective analysis of children diagnosed with norovirus-induced diarrhea over a 12-month period, assessing demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and outcomes. Our findings indicate that norovirus is a significant etiological agent in pediatric diarrhea cases, underscoring the need for improved diagnostic and preventive strategies in healthcare settings.

Successful mediastinal teratoma resection in a child by assisted VATS: a case report

BackgroundVideo-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is widely used for thoracic lesions in pediatric patients. VATS is also applied to pediatric mediastinal tumors if there is no adhesion or invasion between the tumor and adjacent neuronal and cardiovascular structures. Here, we present a pediatric case of mediastinal teratoma in which the tumor adhered to the superior vena cava, and resection was safely completed using assisted VATS, an integrated surgical approach comprising mini-thoracotomy with video assistance.Case presentationA 9 year-old girl presented with right shoulder pain. Chest radiography and computed tomography revealed a 5.4 × 5.1 × 5.8 cm mass in the right upper anterior mediastinum. She was presumed with a mature teratoma, and resection was performed by assisted VATS with muscle sparing axillar skin crease incision (MSASCI) for a mini-thoracotomy. The procedure was safely completed, with the patient discharged on postoperative day 5. At 1 year postoperatively, there was no recurrence with excellent motor and cosmetic results.ConclusionsThe combination of MSASCI and VATS would be useful not only for mediastinal teratomas but also for other mediastinal tumors and almost all other thoracic lesions in pediatric patients.