Mediastinal germ cell tumors. Clinical features and biologic correlates

A unique case of a giant anterior mediastinal teratoma extending into the right hemithorax in an adult female: A case report study

INTRODUCTION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Teratomas are rare tumors, some of which have a benign growth pattern. Symptoms can vary depending on their size and location, usually becoming noticeable when they reach a large size. CT scans are effective in detecting these tumors and their surrounding connections.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a female who experienced a brief period of fatigue at work. Further investigation revealed the presence of significantly enlarged mature teratomas. Surgical resection successfully improved and saved the lung.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

When there is suspicion of a teratoma or a large mediastinal mass, it is important to opt for surgical intervention rather than subjecting the patient to the anesthetic risk associated with attempting a biopsy.

CONCLUSION

In cases of large mediastinal and thoracic masses, complete resection should be pursued when feasible, as the majority of mediastinal teratomas are benign. Complete resection usually leads to excellent results and a good prognosis.

Upfront Thoracic Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Evaluation of Thymic Lesions to Reduce Non-Therapeutic Diagnostic Thymectomy: A Narrative Review

Background: Thymic pathologies represent the most common lesions of the anterior mediastinum. They may be classified as malignant or benign. Current diagnostic pathways recommend an initial assessment with computed tomography (CT) imaging to delineate potentially malignant thymic lesions. Despite this, high rates of non-therapeutic thymectomy continue to be observed. This carries with it significant anaesthetic, operative, and post-operative risks, in addition to healthcare costs. Consequently, there is a growing interest in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a primary diagnostic modality for lesions of the anterior mediastinum. This narrative review outlines the current approaches to the evaluation of thymic lesions, with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of CT and MRI imaging modalities. It also evaluates the current discourse on the use of upfront MRI for thymic and anterior mediastinal lesion assessment. Methods: A narrative review was performed following a search on the Medline database. Articles that were evaluated had explored the role of MRI on the evaluation of thymic and anterior mediastinal lesions. Results: Current work-up for thymic and anterior mediastinal lesions are highly variable and centre around the use of CT. Upfront MRI demonstrates a similar accuracy to CT for various thymic and anterior mediastinal pathologies; however, the efforts to integrate this approach into routine practice remain in their infancy, with no standardised guidelines that exist. Conclusions: This narrative review demonstrates that there is a paucity of evidence relating to the sensitivity and specificity of MRI compared to CT for thymic lesion analysis and their subsequent relationship with non-therapeutic thymectomy. Future prospective trials to assess the role of MRI in thymic lesion determination are required to understand whether MRI can more accurately characterise these lesions to reduce non-therapeutic thymectomy. Additionally, further research efforts are required to characterise best-practice methods for integrating MRI into diagnostic pathways for these lesions in a cost-effective and resource-conscious manner.

Presentation and Care for Children with Peripheral Precocious Puberty

Peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) refers to the early onset of sexual maturation that is independent of central nervous system control. The extensive differential diagnosis includes congenital and acquired causes. Presenting features depend on which class of sex steroids is involved, and diagnosis rests on hormonal and, if indicated, imaging and/or genetic studies. Effective treatment exists for nearly all causes of PPP. Ongoing research will advance our therapeutic armamentarium and understanding of the pathophysiologic basis of these conditions.

Primary mediastinal seminoma with azoospermia: case report and review of the literature

Introduction

Since the first report, primary mediastinal seminoma has a low incidence in the population, and it mainly affects young and middle-aged men, is clinically rare, and accounts for a very small proportion of mediastinal tumors. In this study, we describe the first case of primary mediastinal seminoma with azoospermia and hypothesize that the coexistence of the two disorders may not be a coincidence.

Case report

A 16-year-old man presented with chest tightness and chest pain, a mediastinal mass on chest CT, and abnormal 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose uptake on a PET-CT scan. By biopsy of the mass, the pathological diagnosis was a primary mediastinal seminoma. Because chemotherapy is included in the treatment of the tumor, the patient underwent sperm freezing before treatment, considering that chemotherapy can affect fertility, but the patient was diagnosed with azoospermia. Finally, the patient underwent tumor resection and postoperative chemotherapy. No tumor recurrence was observed at the current follow-up.

Conclusion

Primary mediastinal seminoma is mainly confirmed by histopathological examination, and surgery and chemoradiotherapy are the current treatments. In patients with mediastinal seminoma or azoospermia, doctors should be aware that the two disorders may coexist, especially in men who have fertility requirements or long-term infertility, and that examination of the mediastinum and semen may lead to unexpected findings in the diagnosis and treatment. For mediastinal germ cell tumors, genetic testing is of great value in the treatment of tumors and the prediction of associated diseases. Future studies exploring the potential correlation between mediastinal seminoma and azoospermia will be prospective.

Primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma requiring differentiation from non-small cell lung cancer: An autopsy case report

A 65-year-old man with dyspnea and hemoptysis presented with a right upper lobe mass associated with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes and bilateral pulmonary nodules on chest computed tomography (CT), suspected lung cancer. Bronchial and CT-guided biopsies revealed poorly differentiated carcinoma. His condition deteriorated rapidly before a definitive diagnosis could be made. Autopsy revealed primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma. Primary mediastinal choriocarcinomas are rare, difficult to diagnose early and have a poor prognosis. In patients with a tumor expanding across the lung and mediastinum and exhibiting pathologic findings of a pooly differentiated carcinoma, we should consider choriocarcinoma, evaluating the serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels.

Spontaneous rupture‑induced life‑threatening mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor: A case report and therapeutic considerations

Spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of mediastinal germ cell tumors is a rare occurrence. In the current report, the case of a 20-year-old male patient who was admitted with chest tightness and dyspnea is presented. An urgent chest CT scan revealed a large tumor in the right anterior mediastinum, measuring ~12 cm in diameter, with associated intratumoral hemorrhage. An emergency thoracotomy was performed to excise the lesion, which revealed that the bleeding was caused by a ruptured tumor. Postoperative pathological findings revealed a mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor consisting of four pathological types: Embryonal carcinoma, seminoma, yolk sac tumor and immature teratoma. Postoperatively, the patient showed marked improvement in the symptoms of dyspnea. However, the follow-up outcome was poor, and the patient succumbed 2 months after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of rupture and hemorrhage involving >4 mixed germ cell tumors. In the present report, the experience of the treatment of the patient is summarized, and literature was reviewed to improve clinicians' awareness of the disease.

A Challenging Case of Heart Displacement by a Large Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor

Mediastinal germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare and aggressive cancers originating from the germ cells in the mediastinum. Early detection and treatment are vital due to their high potential for metastasis and recurrence. We present a case of a 28-year-old man who exhibited a cough and shortness of breath. Laboratory tests revealed elevated tumor markers, alpha-fetoprotein, and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Imaging studies displayed a large mediastinal mass, causing the right displacement of the mediastinum and cardiac tamponade. The biopsy confirmed a non-seminomatous GCT, specifically a yolk sac tumor. The patient experienced pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade after receiving two cycles of etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy. To relieve the tamponade, an emergency pericardiocentesis was performed malignant GCTs necessitate prompt diagnosis and treatment and utilizing multimodal therapy such as chemotherapy to achieve tumor control. Due to the high risk of metastasis, vigilant surveillance for recurrence is essential, emphasizing the need for specific criteria for accurate early detection.

Pediatric Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors: Review of Clinics and Perspectives in Application of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Pediatric extracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare, accounting for approximately 3.5% of childhood cancers. Since the introduction of platinum-based chemotherapy, the survival rate of patients has improved to more than 80%. However, poor-risk subtypes of pediatric extracranial GCTs do not respond well to chemotherapy, leading to refractory or relapsed (R/R) diseases. For example, long-term survival rates of mediastinal GCTs or choriocarcinoma are less than 50%. According to reports in recent years for adult patients with R/R GCTs, the use of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) combined with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has clinical advantages; however, HDCT combined with ASCT has rarely been reported in pediatric GCTs. The R/R and poor-risk groups of pediatric GCTs could benefit from HDCT and ASCT.

Case report: A unique case of benign teratoma in the posterior mediastinum associated with anterior meningomyelocele in a one-year-old child

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Benign cystic teratoma considered an extragonadal germ cell tumor that can present at any age and mostly located in the anterior mediastinum, only 3 %-8 % are in the posterior mediastinum. Meningomyelocele is an abnormal herniation of the meninges that located in most cases posteriorly in lumbosacral spine. Cervicothoracic meningomyelocele are rare entities resemble only 1 %-5 % of all neural tube defects. The presence of both anterior meningomyelocele (MMC) an benign teratoma is very rare and this association in the thoracic column has never been mentioned before in the medical literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a one-year-old child, who was admitted to our hospital with a complaint recurrent vomiting episode, and respiratory distress, with no improvement in symptoms after conservative treatment. Computed tomography showed an anterior heterogeneous meningomyelocele that extend posteriorly to the upper lobe of right lung tissue. MRI confirmed the presence of the meningomyelocele in addition to a heterogenous cystic structure within. Thoracotomy was indicated and the meningomyelocele was carefully resected and sent to histopathology analysis which showed the presence of a benign teratoma accompanying the meningomyelocele.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Meningomyeloceles and teratoma are rarely associated, especially in the thoracic spine. Mediastinal tumors should be taken into consideration when a mass is found. A thorough imaging investigations is crucial in establishing the diagnosis along with histopathology after complete resection.

CONCLUSION

In the presence of posterior mediastinal meningomyelocele with heterogeneity, a histopathological examination of the specimen should be performed to exclude the mediastinal tumors.

Surgical treatment confers prognostic significance in pediatric malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors

BACKGROUND

Primary malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare pediatric tumors that have a poorer prognosis compared to GCTs occurring elsewhere in the body. The current study aimed to assess the prognostic factors and treatment outcomes of children with primary malignant mediastinal GCT in Taiwan.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed children 0-18 years old who were newly diagnosed with primary malignant mediastinal GCT between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2019 and were registered in the Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group patient registry. The impact of presenting characteristics, including sex, age, tumor stage, histology subtype, surgical treatment, and chemotherapy regimens of the patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 52 children with malignant mediastinal GCT who had a median age of 16.0 (range, 6.0-17.9) years at diagnosis. The most common histological subtypes were mixed GCTs (n = 20) and yolk sac tumors (n = 15). Advanced disease stage and choriocarcinoma histology subtype were associated inferior outcomes. Children who received surgical treatment exhibited better outcomes compared to those who did not (5-year overall survival, 78% vs. 7%, p < .001). After comparing patients who received first-line cisplatin- and carboplatin-based chemotherapy, no difference in treatment outcomes was observed. Multivariate analysis showed that surgical management was the only independent predictor for superior OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment is recommended for mediastinal GCT. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was not superior to carboplatin-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment and may be avoided due to toxicity concerns.

TP53 Alterations Are Associated With Poor Survival in Patients With Primary Mediastinal Nonseminoma Germ Cell Tumors

BACKGROUND

Primary mediastinal nonseminoma germ cell tumors (PMNSGCT) are a subgroup of nonseminoma germ cell tumors (GCT) with poor prognosis. In this study, PMNSGCT-specific genomic landscape was analyzed and correlated with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

DNA was extracted and sequenced from 28 archival tumor tissue of patients with mediastinal GCT (3 seminoma and 25 nonseminoma). Overall survival (OS) and association with gene alterations were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier and univariate Cox regression methods.

RESULTS

Three patients (11%) had a karyotype XXY, 17/28 (61%) tumor samples presented chromosome 12p amplification. Somatic mutations were detected in 19/28 (68%) samples. The most frequently mutated genes were: TP53 (13/28; 46%), KIT (5/28; 18%), and KRAS (5/28; 18%). Deleterious TP53 alterations were associated with significantly reduced overall survival (HR: 7.16; P = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

TP53 alterations are common in PMNSGCT and are associated with reduced overall survival, potentially underlying the poor sensitivity to chemotherapy observed in these patients.

How to classify, diagnose, treat and follow-up extragonadal germ cell tumors? A systematic review of available evidence

PURPOSE

To present the current evidence and the development of studies in recent years on the management of extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCT).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline and the Cochrane Library. Studies within the search period (January 2010 to February 2021) that addressed the classification, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and follow-up of extragonadal tumors were included. Risk of bias was assessed and relevant data were extracted in evidence tables.

RESULTS

The systematic search identified nine studies. Germ cell tumors (GCT) arise predominantly from within the testis, but about 5% of the tumors are primarily located extragonadal. EGCT are localized primarily mediastinal or retroperitoneal in the midline of the body. EGCT patients are classified according to the IGCCCG classification. Consecutively, all mediastinal non-seminomatous EGCT patients belong to the "poor prognosis" group. In contrast mediastinal seminoma and both retroperitoneal seminoma and non-seminoma patients seem to have a similar prognosis as patients with gonadal GCTs and metastasis at theses respective sites. The standard chemotherapy regimen for patients with a EGCT consists of 3-4 cycles (good vs intermediate prognosis) of bleomycin, etoposid, cisplatin (BEP); however, due to their very poor prognosis patients with non-seminomatous mediastinal GCT should receive a dose-intensified or high-dose chemotherapy approach upfront on an individual basis and should thus be referred to expert centers Ifosfamide may be exchanged for bleomycin in cases of additional pulmonary metastasis due to subsequently planned resections. In general patients with non-seminomatous EGCT, residual tumor resection (RTR) should be performed after chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

In general, non-seminomatous EGCT have a poorer prognosis compared to testicular GCT, while seminomatous EGGCT seem to have a similar prognosis to patients with metastatic testicular seminoma. The current insights on EGCT are limited, since all data are mainly based on case series and studies with small patient numbers and non-comparative studies. In general, systemic treatment should be performed like in testicular metastatic GCTs but upfront dose intensification of chemotherapy should be considered for mediastinal non-seminoma patients. Thus, EGCT should be referred to interdisciplinary centers with utmost experience in the treatment of germ cell tumors.

Unusual Anterior Mediastinal Tumors Treated at a Tertiary Thoracic Center: A Case Series Analysis

Several tumors arise from different structures within the mediastinum. Although each type of mediastinal tumor has a predilection for a specific compartment, the progression of growth from one compartment to another can occur. The anterior mediastinum is the site of several tumors that pose interesting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to thoracic surgeons. The anterior mediastinum is the seat of the majority of neoplastic growths within the mediastinum. Thymomas and lymphomas are the most common pathologies of the anterior mediastinum. Tumors of mesenchymal origin (hemangioma, lymphangioma, lipomas) and their malignant counterparts may occur in any of the mediastinal compartments. Less common tumors of the anterior mediastinal compartment are ectopic thyroid and parathyroid tumors, germ cell tumors, mesenchymal origin tumors, hemangiomas, and cervicomediastinal hygromas. Most of the mediastinal growths usually remain clinically silent until they become large and cause compressive symptoms. Here, we present a case series of five anterior mediastinal tumors consisting of solitary benign teratoma, fibrous benign tumor, malignant fibrosarcoma, hamartomatous chondroma, and malignant thymoma.

Primary seminoma arising in the posterior mediastinum: a diagnostic challenge

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors are a rare finding, and one third of them are seminomas. Seminomas are found in the anterior mediastinum, whereas they are extremely rare within the posterior compartment. Most clinicians would not consider a primary seminoma in the differential diagnosis of a posterior mediastinal mass, as only two cases have been reported in literature. Here we present the case of a 57-year-old male with a primary seminoma arising in the left posterior mediastinum. He was asymptomatic and the mass was an incidental finding. Positron emission tomography (PET) revealed a small area with an avid tracer uptake. Transthoracic needle aspiration led to a non-diagnostic result. Due to the strong suspect of malignancy, a surgical excision was chosen to obtain a diagnosis. He underwent complete excision, and pathology report demonstrated a mediastinal seminoma. Subsequent further staging did not reveal any other location of the disease. Given the complete excision of the primary tumor, active surveillance was the treatment of choice. The patient is free of disease 48 months after diagnosis.

Mature cystic teratoma of anterior mediastinum in a 4-month-old infant: a rare case report

Teratomas of anterior mediastinum are rare tumors and are often slow growing, asymptomatic and detected incidentally on chest imaging. We report, a rare case of an anterior mediastinal teratoma occurring in early childhood. A 4-month-old male infant presented to the pediatric unit of our hospital with a 2-week history of a progressive difficulty in breathing and stridor. He had received several courses of oral and intravenous antibiotics for a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. The baby started to show social smile and hold his head fairly steady. Chest radiography and chest ultrasound revealed a cystic anterior mediastinal mass which was confirmed by a contrasted chest CT. An ultrasound-guided trucut biopsy of the mass was performed and histopathology showed mature cystic teratoma. Surgical removal of the mass was done with excellent post-operative outcome. Occurrence of a mature cystic anterior mediastinal teratoma is uncommon in early infancy. Early and complete surgical resection offers the best possible prognosis.

Imaging of the Anterior/Prevascular Mediastinum

Prevascular mediastinal masses include a wide range of benign and malignant entities. Localization of mediastinal masses to specific compartments together with characteristic imaging findings and demographic and clinical information allows formulation of a focused differential diagnosis. Radiologists may use these methods to distinguish between surgical and nonsurgical cases and thus inform patient management and have an impact on outcomes. Treatment of choice varies based on the pathology, ranging from no intervention or serial imaging follow-up to surgical excision, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.

Primary malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors: A single institutional experience

Background:

Primary mediastinal malignant germ cell tumour (PMMGCT) is rare with unsatisfactory prognosis and pose difficulty in management due to lack of guidelines.

Methods:

All cases of PMMGCT diagnosed and treated between years 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated for clinico-pathological features, multimodality treatment and follow up.

Results:

Among a total of five PMMGCT cases, three were seminomatous and two were non seminomatous tumour [Yolk- sac tumour (n-1) and Mixed tumour (n-1)]. Four of these cases were non - metastatic with locally advancement and another one presented with metastasis to supraclavicular lymph node. All patients received platinum based induction chemotherapy. Post-induction chemotherapy, two cases of non seminomatous tumours underwent surgery. Among the three seminoma cases, one patient showed complete metabolic response; one with metastasis succumbed to the disease and the in-operable case of seminoma received local radiotherapy.

Conclusion:

PMMGCT needs a multi-disciplinary approach for appropriate diagnosis and management. Clinicopathological features like tumour site, extension, histopathological type, tumour stage and serum tumour marker are necessary for prognostication and decision making of further treatment plan.

Neurologic Symptoms Caused by Mature Cystic Teratoma of the Thymus

This case report describes an unusual presentation of a rare mature cystic teratoma of the thymus. It was indistinguishable from other anterior mediastinal masses without surgical resection and histologic diagnosis. Malignant thymic masses and mediastinal masses that cause compression of the heart and surrounding vessels have been reported to cause paresthesia. However, this case documents a mediastinal teratoma, specifically a benign thymic teratoma, that presented with symptoms of sensory dysfunction among other neurologic deficits. Complete surgical resection of the teratoma was performed without complications, and all symptoms resolved.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: A Single-Center Experience

Purpose: Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) are rare. The natural history and optimal treatment strategies still need to be defined. The aim of the study was to summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors of PMGCTs.

Methods: Twenty-four patients with PMGCTs who were treated from December 2008 to January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate factors associated with prognosis.

Results: The study population consisted of 23 male patients and 1 female patient. Five patients were diagnosed with seminoma and 19 patients were diagnosed with nonseminoma. The median follow-up time for all patients was 15.8 (3.9–114.5) months. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) rates for all patients were 65.2 and 44.3%. For nonseminoma and seminoma, the 5-year OS rates were 54.1 and 100% (P = 0.093), respectively, and the 5-year PFS rates were 28.7 and 100%, respectively (P = 0.044). In patients with nonseminoma, first-line radiotherapy indicated superior OS and PFS (P = 0.037 and 0.027, respectively). The median survival time after recurrence was 4.3 months and the 1-year survival rate after recurrence was 23.4%.

Conclusion: These results indicated that in PMGCTs, the prognosis of seminoma is superior to that of nonseminoma. Radiotherapy may be an essential treatment in patients with nonseminoma. Patients with relapse have unfavorable prognosis.

Nonseminomatous Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor Presenting As Early Pericardial Tamponade

Multiple different types of mediastinal masses may be encountered on imaging techniques in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The most frequent mediastinal masses in adults are thymoma, lymphoma, thyroid masses, and germ cell tumors. Potential complications of these masses due to localized invasion include hemoptysis, post-obstructive pneumonia, and superior vena cava syndrome. Pericardial tamponade is usually secondary to pericarditis, trauma, infections, radiation, uremia, vascular diseases, and uremia. However, this report presents a case of a young patient who was found to have a large pericardial effusion and early signs of pericardial tamponade, which have not previously been reported as complications of extragonadal germ cell tumors, to the best of our knowledge.

A rapidly growing mature mediastinal teratoma with a testicular epidermoid cyst and familial Mediterranean fever

Anterior mediastinal teratomas are common and are generally characterized as slow growing tumors. Very few reports documenting rapidly growing tumors exist. Here, we describe a case of a mature teratoma showing rapid growth in 1 year treated with complete surgical resection.

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A 25-year-old man was diagnosed with teratoma in the anterior mediastinum.

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Additionally, he had testicular epidermoid cyst and familial Mediterranean fever.

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Both tumors were surgically resected.

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The postoperative course was uneventful with no evidence of recurrence.

Extragonadal germ cell tumors: Not just a matter of location. A review about clinical, molecular and pathological features

Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCTs) are uncommon neoplasms, which arise in anatomical locations other than gonads. The pathogenesis of these neoplasms is still poorly understood and it is a matter of debate if they really represent extragondal primary neoplasms or rather extragondal metastasis from occult gonadal neoplasms. The actual observations suggest that EGGCTs represent a unique entity, so their biology and behavior are substantially different from gonadal counterparts. The diagnosis of EGGCTs is often challenging, and differential diagnosis is particularly wide. Nevertheless, a correct diagnosis is essential for the correct management of the patient. We summarize the state of art about EGGCTs, with particular emphasis on diagnosis and prognosis.

Intraoperative Catastrophe during Benign Mediastinal Tumor Mass Excision: A Case Report

Mature teratoma of the mediastinum poses a significant surgical challenge due to close vicinity to vital structures causing respiratory insufficiency or hemodynamic compromise. While the malignant variety of germ cell tumors (GCT) generally present with florid symptoms, benign teratomas are detected incidentally on imaging. Large teratomas presenting as mediastinal mass syndrome have additional difficulty in airway access. Herein, we report a case of a 40-year-old-female with no significant comorbidities presenting with rapidly progressing symptoms of chest pain, dyspnea, and superior vena cava (SVC) compression. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck and chest confirmed a large cystic lesion with marked compression of the great veins in the neck, arch of aorta, trachea, and proximal bronchial divisions. Airway access intraoperatively was done by awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy. However, sudden hypoxia and hemodynamic deterioration warranted emergency sternotomy. Adequate preoperative preparation, as well as standby extracorporeal circulatory support, led to successful and complete excision of the tumor. The patient had an uneventful recovery and extubated in the intensive care unit (ICU) the next day. Histopathology of the mass confirmed to be mature benign cystic teratoma. At six-month follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic without any complications. The impact of intraoperative catastrophe on the healthcare team can be immense. Inability to achieve a secure airway and the resultant hypoxia can result in permanent neurological damage. A multidisciplinary approach leading to adequate preoperative assessment, intraoperative preparedness for an emergency sternotomy with standby extracorporeal circulatory support due to the risk of mediastinal mass syndrome, were key features in the successful management of the patient.

[Which surgery for mediastinum tumor: Experience of the Department of thoracic surgery of CHU Hassan II of Fès]

INTRODUCTION

Tumors of the mediastinum are a heterogeneous group of dysembryoplatic and neoplastic diseases essentially with different prognoses and therapeutic. These tumors develop slowly and remain long asymptomatic in 40-50% of cases. The purpose of our work is to bring the result of surgical management in diagnostic and therapeutic of principal mediastinum tumors framework.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We reviewed retrospectively the records of 68 patients in our training, between January 2009 and December 2013, for tumor of the mediastinum in the diagnostic framework and or therapy.

RESULTS

There were 37 men and 31 women with a mean age of 37 years with extremes ranging from 11 to 73 years and 77.94% had an age between 11 and 50. In 39 patients, surgery had a diagnostic purpose (2 benign tumors and 37 malignancies including 27 cases of lymphomas). Curative surgery was performed in 34 patients, dominated by the tumors of thymic origin in 15 cases. Conventional surgery had involved 32 patients. The surgical approach was a total vertical sternotomy in 14 patients, in 17 patients was posterolateral thoracotomy and a left anterior thoracotomy in 1 patient. Video assisted thoracic surgery had been done in 3 patients under resection of a pleuropericardique cyst. Overall mortality was 4.41 percent. It is a death at D17 of the postoperative (thymoma with myasthenia) following a myasthenic crisis requiring a tracheotomy. A patient operated on for invasive thymoma developed myopathy and died at D44 of the postoperative following a difficulty of weaning. Another patient had a thymoma B3 benefited from 6 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and then a thymectomy had presented a respiratory distress with bilateral pleural effusion, death at D10 of the postoperative by septic shock following a nosocomial infection.

CONCLUSION

Tumors of the mediastinum are infrequent, discovered more often by chance. The main prognostic factor is the completeness of tumor resection without taking the break. Conventional surgery always keeps a place in our context, despite the advent of minimally invasive surgery.

Neoplastic Pericardial Disease

Pericardial tumors are rare lesions that include a range of neoplastic conditions that may arise within the pericardium or metastasize to involve it secondarily. Understanding the spectrum of lesions that are included in the differential diagnosis of a pericardial mass-lesion is critical to making timely, accurate diagnoses and getting the appropriate therapy should one be necessary. This review summarizes the radiologic and pathologic findings of the most commonly encountered of these entities.

Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Tumor Presenting with Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Patient: Male, 24

Final Diagnosis: Non-seminomatous primary mediastinal germ cell tumor

Symptoms: Chest pain • dyspnea

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Chemotherapy

Specialty: Oncology

A Study of Patients with Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors Treated Using Multimodal Therapy

OBJECTIVES

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) are rare, which often makes them difficult to treat. Herein, we examined patients with PMGCTs who underwent multimodal treatment.

METHODS

We examined 6 patients (median age: 25 years, range: 19-27 years) with PMGCTs who underwent multimodal treatment between April 2001 and March 2015. Three patients had seminomas, 2 patients had yolk sac tumors, and 1 patient had choriocarcinoma. The median observation period was 32.5 months (range: 8-84 months).

RESULTS

Three of the 6 patients received initial operation followed by 3-4 courses of chemotherapy (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) or etoposide and cisplatin (EP)). One patient developed multiple lung metastases 17 months after surgery; received salvage chemotherapy with vinblastine, ifosfamide, and cisplatin; and achieved complete remission. The remaining 3 patients received initial BEP and EP chemotherapy. Multiple lung metastases and supraclavicular lymph node metastases were detected in 2 of these patients at the initial diagnosis. The patients underwent resections to remove residual tumor after treatment, and no viable tumor cells were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Reliable diagnosis and immediate multimodal treatments are necessary for patients with PMGCTs. The 6 patients treated in our hospital have never experienced recurrence after the multimodal treatment.

Metachronous Germ Cell Tumors of the Mediastinum

We report a rare case of mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumor arising after 2 complete resections of mediastinal mature teratomas 18 and 10 years prior. After three cycles of chemotherapy for the mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumor, the serum α-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels were normalized. However, chest radiography revealed that the mediastinal tumor had remarkably increased in size, and thus growing teratoma syndrome was diagnosed. The patient underwent urgent resection of the tumor, and a pathologic examination showed an encapsulated mature teratoma without any malignant viable cells. The patient was well without disease 54 months after the third operation.

Imaging of Retrosternal Space Lesions - A Pictorial Review

The retrosternal region (RSS) can be involved by diverse lesions. The RSS is the region behind the sternum and anterior to the ascending aorta. It normally is less than 3 cm deep. Chest X-ray is usually the first imaging modality to raise a suspicion of RSS pathology; however computed tomography is the mainstay to delineate and characterize lesions in this location. Lesions in this location include thyroid, thymic and lymph node lesions; germ cell tumors and vascular lesions. Lesions arising from the sternum, lungs as well as the pleura can also involve this space. The pictorial review depicts the diverse spectrum of lesions in this location.

Primary seminoma arising in the middle mediastinum: A case report

Primary mediastinal seminoma often occurs in the anterior mediastinum of young males. It is unusual for the tumor to originate in the middle or posterior mediastinum, and such cases have rarely been reported in the English literature. The present study reports the case of a 52-year-old man with a 3.0-cm primary seminoma arising in the middle mediastinum. The patient presented with the symptoms of cough and chest tightness. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET) scans revealed unique abnormal FDG uptake in the middle mediastinum. A mediastinoscopy was performed and integral excision was found to be difficult. A biopsy was performed and the histological examination revealed a primary seminoma. Following 4 cycles of a standard bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy regimen, and chest irradiation at a total dose of 40 Gy in 20 fractions, the tumor exhibited a partial response, decreasing in size, and FDG uptake was no longer observed on ¹⁸F-FDG-PET scan. The last follow-up date was April 2016 and the patient has remained disease-free for 20 months.

Cystic teratoma mimicking recurrent pleural effusion, complicated by Mycobacterium abscessus infection

Teratomas of anterior mediastinum are rare. They are often slow growing, asymptomatic, and detected incidentally on chest imaging. Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) is an acid-fast bacillus that is classified as a pathogenic "rapid growing" non-tuberculous mycobacteria. It is an uncommon cause of human pathology, which may cause skin and soft tissue infection after skin injury following inoculation, minor trauma, and surgery. Here, we present an unusual case of benign cystic teratoma mimicking recurrent pleural effusion, which was subsequently complicated by M. abscessus infection following thoracotomy. Cystic teratoma is rare, but it needs to be considered whenever clinical and investigative work-up fails to provide a convincing diagnosis. A combined clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological assessment is important to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Rapidly growing mycobacteria needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with non-resolving infected post-thoracotomy wound and who do not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Male Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors of the Adult

Male extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) are characterized by a malignant transformation of germ cells without the presence of a gonadal primary tumor. EGCTs represent up to 5% of all germ cell tumors (GCTs) with an incidence around 1/1,000,000. It is assumed that EGCTs either derive from a malignant transformation of germ cells that were misdirected during embryogenesis, or from germ cells that have spread throughout the body during embryogenesis to fulfil different roles in immunological processes or distinct organ functions. EGCTs are mainly localized along the median axis, especially in the mediastinum and in the retroperitoneum. Regarding histology, they have the same subtypes as gonadal GCTs (seminomas and non-seminomas). EGCTs are normally diagnosed in advanced stages due to tumor-associated symptoms or as incidental finding during routine diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. An integral part of EGCT treatment is cisplatinum-based chemotherapy: residual tumor resection is only indicated for non-seminomatous EGCTs. The prognosis of malignant retroperitoneal EGCTs depends on tumor localization and histology. The 5-year overall survival ranges from 40% to 90% and is more favorable for retroperitoneal or seminomatous tumors than for mediastinal non-seminomatous tumors. Mature teratomas of mediastinal EGCTs are benign and are only treated by surgical resection.

Situs inversus totalis with a mature teratoma of the posterior mediastinum: A case report

Situs inversus totalis is an unusual disease with a low incidence. The co-existence of situs inversus totalis with a teratoma is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, there is no data on the association between situs inversus totalis and teratoma in the literature. The present study therefore describes the first such case in a 23-year-old female. The patient presented with intermittent chest tightness, which had lasted for ~3 years. Following radiological examination, the patient was diagnosed with situs inversus totalis and a mature teratoma in the posterior mediastinum. Surgical resection was performed to remove the teratoma and the patient subsequently made a full recovery. Follow-up X-ray and computed tomography examinations were performed 6 months after surgery, which revealed no disease recurrence.

Benign Mature Teratoma in Anterior Mediastinum

Teratoma of mediastinum is rare germ cell tumor. Anterior mediastinum is the most common extragonadal site. Benign mediastinal teratoma accounts for 60% of all mediastinal germ cell tumors. Benign mature teratoma has excellent prognosis after surgical excision. We present a case of 20-year-old woman diagnosed as benign mature teratoma which compressed main pulmonary trunk. The patient underwent surgical excision.

Massive mediastinal teratoma mimicking a pleural effusion on computed tomography

Mediastinal teratomas have been reported to mimic pleural effusions on chest radiography. Further evaluation of such tumours using computed tomography usually yields diagnostic characteristics that distinguish them from pleural collections. We report a patient with a mediastinal teratoma that mimicked a massive left pleural effusion on chest radiography and computed tomography.

Life-threatening and Rapidly Growing Teratoma in the Anterior Mediastinum

This report describes the case of a 23-year-old man with a mediastinal teratoma. Five months before admission, a chest radiograph during a routine health checkup was normal. Four months before admission, the patient developed sudden onset of mild right-sided chest pain. He gradually developed dyspnea and was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography revealed a giant tumor that was markedly compressing the right atrium. Urgent surgery was performed, and a ruptured, benign mature teratoma was diagnosed. Mature mediastinal teratomas are benign tumors, but they can rupture and have the potential to grow rapidly, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

Primary nonseminomatous germ cell tumor in the posterior mediastinum

A 54-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for further examination following a chest radiographic screening test. He was asymptomatic but had an elevated serum concentration of alpha-fetoprotein. Chest computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging showed a posterior mediastinal mass in the left thoracic paravertebral region. CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy was performed, and the histological findings confirmed nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). Gonadal examination and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography findings indicated the posterior mediastinum as the origin of the disease. Reports of primary NSGCT in the posterior mediastinum are extremely rare.

Management of the primary malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors: experience with 54 patients

Background

Primary malignant mediastinal germ cell tumor (PMMGCT) is rare and sometimes the prognosis of the patients with PMMGCT is not very satisfactory.

Methods

A total of 54 patients with PMMGCT in a follow-up from 1990 to 2009. We evaluated the role of the surgical treatment and the effect of multimodality treatment strategy for patients with PMMGCT.

Results

Fifty-two patients underwent surgical resections, while the other two patients just received chemoradiotherapy. Among the 52 patients, 28 cases received preoperative adjuvant therapy and 24 cases underwent surgery as initial treatment; 30 cases with complete resections, 18 cases with partial resections and 4 cases with only biopsies. There was no perioperative mortality. Histopathologic results revealed 18 cases of seminomas and 36 cases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). The last follow-up showed that 17 patients were alive, including 11 patients with seminoma and 6 patients with NSGCT. The 5-year overall survival rate of patients with seminomas was 87.7%. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates of patients with NSGCT were 47.4% and 23.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that a complete surgical resection of PMMGCT after chemoradiotherapy showed favorable long-term survival. Patients with pure seminomas have a better prognosis compared with that with NSGCT.

Virtual slides

The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1676987232116837.

Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resection of a benign anterior mediastinal teratoma

There is an emerging body of evidence to support robotic-assisted mediastinal surgery, particularly for thymectomy. We describe the case of a 42-year-old woman with a benign anterior mediastinal teratoma resected by robotic-assisted thoracoscopy. This case illustrates the use of robotic-assisted surgery in a less commonly encountered mass of the anterior mediastinum.

Fever of unknown origin: a case of post obstructive pneumonia complicating mature teratoma

Mediastinal teratomas are rare germ cell tumors in children accounting for only 4.3% of all germ cell tumours. Here, we describe a three year old child who was misdiagnosed as a case of pulmonary tuberculosis at periphery despite of his chest X ray showing large homogenous opacification of left hemithorax with areas of calcifications and subsequently diagnosed as a case of benign mature teratoma with post obstructive pneumonia. Our case highlights the need for careful evaluation of chest X-ray (CXR) by the treating physicians, especially when CXR had a large homogenous opacity with shifting of mediastinum and presence of a few calcified shadows, which may clinch a rare diagnosis of an uncommon disorder.

Pericarditis and pulmonary artery stenosis due to an extragonadal non-seminomatous germ cell tumor: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Chest pain is a common complaint in the Emergency Department that rarely can be attributed to anterior mediastinal masses.

OBJECTIVES

We review the differential diagnosis for anterior mediastinal masses and their potential consequences.

CASE REPORT

An unusual case of chest pain in a young male patient is presented that is caused by an anterior mediastinal mass associated with pericarditis and right ventricular outflow obstruction.

CONCLUSION

Pericarditis and right ventricular outflow obstruction are potential complications of anterior mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell tumors.

Outcomes of combined modality therapy for patients with stage III or IV mediastinal malignant germ cell tumors

PURPOSE

The treatment of primary mediastinal germ cell tumors with cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgery is an established practice; however, the prognosis has remained poor. This study reviews the survival outcomes of patients with primary mediastinal germ cell tumors to evaluate the efficacy of our treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 11 consecutive patients with primary mediastinal germ cell tumors.

RESULTS

We had treated four patients with seminomas and seven patients with non-seminomas. Ten patients had undergone cisplatin-based chemotherapy. All patients underwent complete resection. Two patients showed a failure of first-line chemotherapy and thus received salvage chemotherapies, including paclitaxel plus ifosfamide followed by high-dose carboplatin plus etoposide (TI-CE) with stem cell transplantation. One of them died of relapse 29 months later; while the other patient remained disease-free for 56 months postoperatively. The postoperative overall 3-year survival rates of the patients with non-seminomas and seminomas were 83 and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Complete resection after establishing normalized or decreased at a low-level serum tumor markers plateau plays a crucial role in the management of patients with primary mediastinal malignant germ cell tumors.

Spontaneous rupture of benign mediastinal teratoma: A report of two cases

Benign mediastinal teratomas are commonly asymptomatic and seldom cause complications. Spontaneous rupture into the pleura is rare and cross-sectional imaging is crucial in its early detection and planning a proper surgical approach. We report two cases of spontaneous pulmonary and pleural rupture of benign mediastinal teratoma and discuss the imaging appearances.

Anterior mediastinal teratoma- a case report with review of literature

Anterior mediastinal teratomas are rare germ cell tumors. We report a case of such rare tumor in a young adult male of 21 yrs old who presented with persistent cough of one and half month duration. Computed tomography of the chest confirmed the diagnosis as anterior mediastinal teratoma. Patient underwent a right anterolateral thoracotomy. Intraoperatively there was a large mass in the anterior mediastinum extending to right hemithorax. The mass was compressing the great vessels, adherent to chest wall, pericardium, and lung. Complete excision of the mass done. Patient underwent uneventful recovery. Histopathology reported as benign cystic teratoma.