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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Targeted and Selective Treatment of Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Teratomas Using External Beam Radiation in a Small-animal Model
Published on: February 17, 2019
A ruptured mature teratoma in which follow-up computed tomography observation at short intervals was useful for a
Yoshimasa Inoue1, Atsushi Suga, Shunsuke Yamada
1Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Tokai University Hachioji Hospital, Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. yoshimas@is.icc.u-tokai.ac.jp
Abstract:
Rupture of mature mediastinal teratomas occasionally occurs, necessitating prompt surgical treatment. However, the clinical presentation of a ruptured teratoma can resemble that of pneumonia and/or pleuritis. We report a case of mediastinal teratoma rupture, in which follow-up computed tomography (CT) a short-interval after the first CT was useful for definitive diagnosis. The patient was a 29-year-old male who presented with chest pain. CT-revealed a fat-containing cystic tumor in the left anterior mediastinum and a small pleural effusion with consolidation of the lower lobe of the left lung. The diagnoses of pneumonia, pleuritis and teratoma rupture were considered, and antibiotic therapy was initiated to begin with. Eighteen hours later, a repeat CT-revealed an increase in the soft tissue area of the chest wall adjacent to the tumor, which led to the definitive diagnosis of ruptured teratoma, and immediate resection was performed. The histological diagnosis was a mature teratoma, and rupture was confirmed by the high lipase level in the pleural fluid. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.
Insights
Ruptured mediastinal teratomas can mimic pneumonia. A repeat CT scan quickly diagnosed a ruptured teratoma, enabling prompt surgical intervention and a successful recovery.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Mediastinal teratomas can rupture, presenting with symptoms similar to pneumonia or pleuritis.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for ruptured teratomas.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old male presented with chest pain and initial CT findings suggestive of pneumonia and teratoma rupture.
- A follow-up CT scan 18 hours later revealed changes indicative of teratoma rupture.
Findings:
- The definitive diagnosis of ruptured mediastinal teratoma was made via repeat CT scan.
- Histological examination confirmed a mature teratoma, and elevated lipase in pleural fluid supported rupture.
- The patient underwent successful surgical resection.
Implications:
- Short-interval follow-up CT scans are valuable for diagnosing ruptured mediastinal teratomas.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention improve patient outcomes for this rare condition.
