title: A huge lymphangioma mimicking pleural effusion with extension to both chest cavities: a case report and review of literature.
abstract: Mediastinal lymphangioma is primarily a benign lesion and the majority of the cases are found incidentally. These lesions account for approximately 1% of all mediastinal tumors. Here we present a giant mediastinal cystic mass in a 35-year-old female who was presented with severe respiratory distress. On the plain chest radiography and CT scan, a massive left pleural effusion with large parasternal and mediastinal lymphadenopathy was seen. Thoracentesis was performed and 400 cm³ of clear fluid was drained from the left hemithorax. However, a subsequent CT scan with contrast and the same technique 40 days later showed a large cystic mass in the mediastinum protruding to the right and left hemi thoraces. The giant cystic mass was resected via right and left anterior thoracotomies. Histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis of lymphangioma. The patient has been alive and without tumor recurrence and has been followed for 2 years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran;
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sokouti
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, USA;
authors.forename: Nassir
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rostambeigi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Monireh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Halimi
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran;
authors.forename: Seyed Ziaeddin
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Rasihashemi
keywords: Lymphangioma; Mediastinum; Pleural effusion; Surgery
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