title: Sclerosing mediastinitis in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal tumors.
abstract: Sclerosing mediastinitis is a rare disorder characterized by an extensive fibrotic reaction involving the mediastinum. Due to the compression or invasion of mediastinal structures, the disorder mimics neoplasia. We present three cases of superior vena cava syndrome in which sclerosing mediastinitis was confirmed. The pathophysiological process is related to enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition. The main causes of sclerosing mediastinitis are histoplasmosis and tuberculosis, both of which are prevalent in Brazil. It is difficult to make an accurate histopathological diagnosis using minimally invasive methods, and there is no effective treatment for this condition. In order to make a definitive diagnosis and resolve the aerodigestive tract obstruction, exploratory surgery is indicated.
authors.affiliation: Instituto do Coração, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. daviwwkang@ig.com.br
authors.forename: Davi Wen Wei
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Canzian
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beyruti
authors.forename: Fábio Biscegli
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Jatene
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012598:Sclerosis; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery