Case Report

Acute Respiratory Distress Caused by Massive Thymolipoma

Authors: Michael E. Halkos, MD, John D. Symbas, MD, Panagiotis N. Symbas, MD

Abstract

The authors present the case of a 40-year-old female with a massive anterior mediastinal tumor who presented with acute respiratory distress. She required emergent intubation and ventilatory support for respiratory compromise caused by lung compression. Preoperative computed tomographic scan results suggested a mediastinal lipomatous mass. Resection of the tumor resulted in immediate improvement in her pulmonary status. Because thymolipomas can attain enormous dimensions and compress adjacent structures, they should be resected at the time of diagnosis.


Key Points


* Thymolipomas represent rare tumors of the mediastinum.


* Patients with thymolipoma are usually asymptomatic until the tumor attains huge dimensions.


* Timely resection remains the definitive treatment of choice.

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