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Thymoma mimicking an aortic aneurysm: always expect the unexpected
Dario Michaux1, Lawek Berzenji1, Lotte Keulen2
1Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium.
BMJ Case Reports
|July 20, 2019
Summary
This study reports a rare case of thymoma type B2 mimicking an aortic aneurysm in a 49-year-old male. The patient also presented with a cholesterol granuloma exhibiting unusual ossification, highlighting rare findings in thymic epithelial tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare malignancies, accounting for less than 1% of adult cancers.
- TETs can present asymptomatically, with local symptoms, or paraneoplastic syndromes.
- Heterotopic ossification is an uncommon histological finding in both neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male presented with a thymoma type B2 that radiologically mimicked an aortic aneurysm.
- Histopathological examination revealed the thymoma alongside a cholesterol granuloma.
- The cholesterol granuloma displayed unusual ossification features.
Findings:
- The case highlights a rare presentation of thymoma type B2 masquerading as an aortic aneurysm.
- The co-occurrence of thymoma with a cholesterol granuloma featuring unusual ossification is a unique pathological finding.
- This case underscores the diverse clinical and pathological manifestations of thymic epithelial tumors.
Implications:
- This case expands the differential diagnosis for aortic aneurysms, particularly in thoracic imaging.
- It emphasizes the importance of thorough histopathological examination for rare neoplastic and associated findings.
- Understanding these unusual presentations can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management for rare thoracic lesions.
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