2021 Volume 35 Issue 5 Pages 607-611
Cholesterol granuloma is a benign lesion that develops in response to reactions of foreign-body giant cells to cholesterol crystals. This is a well-recognized condition affecting the middle ear and paranasal sinuses.
We report a rare case of an incidental cholesterol granuloma in the thymus of a 52-year-old man. Computed tomography showed a 23-mm nodule with calcification in the anterior mediastinum. Based on imaging findings, thymoma was suspected, and thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed for diagnosis and treatment. Histological findings indicated cholesterol granuloma in the thymus.
Cholesterol granuloma occurring in the thymus is often difficult to differentiate from thymoma or malignant tumor. This case is accompanied by findings suggestive of hemorrhage in the histopathology, suggesting the possibility of cholesterol granuloma formation as a result of hemorrhage. By comparing the present case with previous reports regarding the cause of cholesterol granuloma and imaging findings, we discussed findings that may help to differentiate cholesterol granuloma in the anterior mediastinum.
