Giant Cystic Hygroma of the Thymus in a Child:

Primary intrathymic lymphangioma in an infant

Lymphangiomas are relatively uncommon lesions of the lymphatic channels which can arise in virtually any part of the body. Although the most common site is the head/neck region, they could be found in the mediastinum. If mediastinal lymphangiomas are said to be rare, the thymic subentity is even scanty. We describe one case of mediastinal lymphangioma with a true intrathymic localization, which to our knowledge has been reported just once in the literature. This case report elucidates the surgical management of the first lymphangioma reported in an infant.

Primary intrathymic lymphangioma

OBJECTIVES

Lymphangiomas are relatively uncommon lesions of the lymphatic channels that can arise in virtually any part of the body provided by lymphatic vessels. The most common localization is the head/neck region, with only sporadic reports in other sites. The mediastinum is a rare location, with around 20 cases reported in the literature.

METHODS

We describe one case of mediastinal lymphangioma with a true intrathymic localization, which to our knowledge has never been described.

RESULTS

The gross features and microscopic findings are reported with a discussion of the clinicopathologic signatures of this pathologic entity.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathymic lymphangioma should always be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of cystic mediastinal lesions in children and adult patients.