Huge prepericardial tuberculous abscess in a 2-year-old child
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A J Thirithuvathas1, S Ravikumar, T Gnanaseelan
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Madurai Medical College, Tamilnadu, India.
Insights
A pediatric case of anterior mediastinal tuberculosis presented as a cystic mass causing respiratory issues in a 2-year-old. Surgical excision and histopathology confirmed the tuberculous origin of the mass.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Recurrent respiratory infections and failure to thrive are common in pediatric patients.
- Anterior mediastinal masses can present with diverse clinical symptoms.
- Tuberculosis (TB) can manifest in various extrapulmonary sites, including the mediastinum.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old girl experienced recurrent respiratory infections and poor growth.
- Imaging revealed a large cystic mass in the anterior mediastinum.
- Surgical exploration identified a significant cystic swelling anterior to the heart with a thickened wall.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination of the excised mass confirmed tuberculous etiology.
- This case highlights a rare presentation of mediastinal tuberculosis in a child.
- The cystic nature of the mass was a key diagnostic feature.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for pediatric mediastinal masses.
- Tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric mediastinal cystic lesions.
- This case underscores the importance of considering TB in endemic areas, even with atypical presentations.
Abstract:
A 2-year-old girl presented with recurrent episodes of respiratory infection and was not thriving well. Investigation showed a huge cystic mass in the anterior mediastinum just in front of the heart. Exploration showed a massive cystic swelling with enormously thickened wall anterior to the heart. The mass was excised, and histopathology showed it to be of tuberculous origin.