A case of mediastinal lymphangioma diagnosed preoperatively

Abstract

A 51-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with dysphagia. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a round mass, measuring 5 cm, in the upper mediastinum. A mediastinal lymphangioma was suspected based on a CT scan, MRI, and lymph scintigraphy, and a CT-guided biopsy confirmed it to be a mediastinal lymphangioma preoperatively. Surgery was performed through a left upper partial sternotomy extended to the left supraclavicular space. The postoperative course was uneventful. Mediastinal lymphangioma is rare, and a preoperative diagnosis is very difficult. Lymph scintigraphy helps determine the site of draining lymphatic vessels and may be effective for preventing chylothorax.