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Mediastinal malignant rhabdoid tumor in an infant: A rare case report
Elham Zarei1, Omid Alemohamad2, Zahra Rahimi2
1Hazrat Ali Asghar Children Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Mediastinal malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a rare, aggressive cancer in infants. This case highlights diagnostic challenges and the need to consider rare tumors in infants with unusual symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Rare Cancers
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Mediastinal malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is an exceptionally rare and aggressive neoplasm.
- It is particularly uncommon in the infant population, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 7-month-old male infant presented with left eyelid ptosis, initially presumed benign.
- Readmission occurred due to fever, poor feeding, diarrhea, and respiratory distress, with rapid deterioration.
Findings:
- Initial investigations, including brain MRI, were unremarkable.
- Subsequent evaluation confirmed mediastinal malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) as the cause of the infant's severe symptoms.
- The patient's condition rapidly worsened despite initial treatment for presumed viral infection.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the diagnostic difficulties in identifying mediastinal MRT in infants.
- It highlights the critical importance of considering rare neoplastic conditions in infants presenting with atypical or rapidly progressing symptoms.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of pediatric mediastinal tumors are crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Abstract:
Mediastinal malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is an exceedingly rare and aggressive neoplasm, particularly uncommon in infants. We present the case of a previously healthy 7-month-old male infant with mediastinal MRT. The patient initially presented with left eyelid ptosis and was otherwise asymptomatic. Initial investigations, including brain MRI, yielded unremarkable results, and the infant was discharged with vitamin B supplements. However, he was readmitted a week later with prolonged fever, poor feeding, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. Despite an initial diagnosis of bronchiolitis/viral respiratory tract infection, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated. Subsequent evaluation revealed mediastinal MRT as the underlying cause. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with mediastinal MRT in infants and highlights the importance of considering rare neoplastic etiologies in atypical clinical presentations.
