Intra-thoracic desmoid tumour in a patient with a previous aortocoronary bypass.
BACKGROUND
Intra-thoracic desmoid tumours with mediastinal invasion are very rare. Although rare they have to be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of a thoracic mass and therapeutic options have to be weighted since surgical treatment may require wide excision.


METHODS
A 48-year-old male diabetic, dyslipidaemic, former heavy smoker with psychiatric illness was operated by sternotomy for a triple aorto-coronary bypass 4 years before, presented with complains of recent onset such as constant and oppressive chest pain. At surgery a mass extending from the aortic arch into the entire anterior mediastinum and to most of the right pleural cavity was found. The mass was separated from sternal periosteum and vessels of aorto-coronary by pass were isolated starting from the aortic arch up to the pericardium. The histological examination revealed aggressive fibromatosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Although technically demanding, radical surgical excision is actually the most indicated therapeutic approach for intra-thoracic desmoid tumours.
Borzellino
Giuseppe
G
OCM Borgo Trento, Department of Surgery, Università di Verona, Ospedale Civile Maggiore Borgo Trento, 37126 Verona, Italy. giuseppe.borzellino@medicina.univr.it
Minicozzi
Anna Maria
AM
Giovinazzo
Francesco
F
Faggian
Giuseppe
G
Iuzzolino
Paolo
P
Cordiano
Claudio
C