Computed tomography of primary mediastinal seminomas

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Primary mediastinal seminoma is a rare germ cell tumor.
• It can present with diverse and sometimes misleading clinical symptoms.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely and effective treatment.

Observation:

• Two cases of primary mediastinal seminoma are presented.
• Case (a) mimicked an aortic aneurysm with symptoms of aortic coarctation.
• Case (b) presented as a nonspecific mass causing left diaphragmatic paralysis.

Findings:

• Computed tomographic (CT) scans showed massive tumors with sharply demarcated borders.
• Tumors exhibited loss of fat planes with surrounding organs.
• Homogeneous density (30-40 HU) with minimal contrast enhancement was observed.

Implications:

• CT findings described are suggestive of primary mediastinal seminoma.
• Radiologists and clinicians should consider this diagnosis in similar presentations.
• Early identification can improve patient outcomes for this mediastinal neoplasm.