Related Experiment Videos
Intrathoracic extra-mediastinal cystic hygroma in infancy
J M Kirk1, C Delahunty, K H Nicolaides
1Department of Neonatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|October 1, 1994
Summary
A rare case of infant intrathoracic cystic hygroma, a non-mediastinal lymphatic malformation, is presented. This condition, diagnosed antenatally, required surgical intervention for this extremely rare presentation in infancy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Fetal Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Cystic hygromas are congenital lymphatic malformations typically found in the head and neck.
- Intrathoracic involvement is uncommon, and extra-mediastinal locations are exceptionally rare.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in neonates.
Observation:
- Antenatal ultrasound identified fetal chest fluid collection, necessitating intervention.
- Postnatal echocardiogram and CT scans revealed a cystic space between the pericardium and right mediastinal pleura.
- Surgical exploration at six weeks of age confirmed a multiloculated cystic mass.
Findings:
- Histological examination identified the mass as a cystic hygroma (lymphangioma).
- The tumor was located outside the mediastinum, adhering to the pericardium and diaphragm.
- This represents an extremely rare intrathoracic cystic hygroma in an infant, with no prior reported cases diagnosed in this age group.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric thoracic masses.
- Demonstrates the utility of advanced imaging in characterizing complex congenital anomalies.
- Emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary management of intrathoracic lymphatic malformations in neonates.