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Benign mediastinal lipoblastoma in a 14-months-old infant
S Federici1, D Cuoghi, R Sciutti
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Bologna, Italy.
Insights
Mediastinal lipoblastoma, a rare benign tumor of fetal fat, is presented in a 14-month-old infant. This case highlights diagnostic imaging and management of this uncommon pediatric condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Lipoblastomas are rare, benign tumors originating from fetal-type fat, predominantly affecting children.
- While commonly found in limbs, mediastinal lipoblastomas are exceptionally rare, with only four pediatric cases previously reported.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on imaging modalities like X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scans to characterize the fatty tissue and its anatomical relations.
Observation:
- A 14-month-old infant presented with respiratory stridor and dyspnea, particularly when in a supine position.
- Radiological examinations were crucial in identifying the mediastinal mass and its characteristics.
- The clinical presentation suggested a potential airway obstruction due to the mass.
Findings:
- The case details a mediastinal lipoblastoma in an infant, a site rarely affected by this tumor.
- Imaging studies confirmed the presence of a fatty mass in the mediastinum.
- The tumor's location contributed to the infant's respiratory symptoms.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare pediatric mediastinal tumors.
- It underscores the importance of comprehensive imaging in diagnosing mediastinal masses in children.
- Effective management and follow-up strategies for mediastinal lipoblastoma are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
Lipoblastomas are rare benign tumors arised from the fetal-embryonal fat that occur almost exclusively in children. About 70% of them arise in the limbs but several other sites have been reported. To date there are only 4 cases of mediastinal lipoblastoma in children, described in the international literature. The radiologic examination, including the chest X-ray, sonography and CT scan, can be used to detect the mass and its relationship to surrounding structures, and to define the typical features of the fat-like tissue. A case of a mediastinal lipoblastoma in a 14-months-old infant is reported, with a respiratory stridor and occasional dyspnoea, appearing only in the supine position. The radiologic findings, treatment and follow-up are also described.