Giant Cystic Mediastinal Lymphangioma

Cystic lymphangioma mainly occurs in children and develops from the lymphatic vessels. The present study reports the case of a 36-year-old female patient with a giant cystic mediastinal lymphangioma. She was asymptomatic and the diagnosis was accidental. Imaging studies are important for referral to the Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Department for surgical intervention in order to remove the lesion. It is important that in the case of an enlargement of the mediastinum observed in a thoracic X-ray, the possible diagnosis takes into consideration various hypotheses. Early diagnosis may prevent further growth and infiltration of structures that hinder the surgical approach.

LEARNING POINTS

Cystic lymphangioma corresponds to approximately 0.7 to 4% of all mediastinal tumours.They are usually asymptomatic and, in adults, the diagnosis is accidental.After an imaging study with computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance, patients are usually candidates for surgical excision.