Succesful emergecy operation for cardiac tamponade by clamshell incision approach due to acute growthing of giant mediastinal tumor

Abstract

A 17-year-old male was admitted because of orthopnea and chest CT and MRI revealed a giant tumor mass infiltrating bilateral lungs, SVC and pericardium in the anterior mediastinum. We performed an emergency percuaneous tumor biopsy but could not obtain diagnosis. His condition worsened to cardiac tamponade due to acute growth of the giant mediastinal tumor. We performed emergency operation for reduction of the tumor by clamshell incision. Histological examination comfirmed malignant B cell lymphoma. Clamshell incision is a useful approach for giant mediastinal tumor considering the operative viewing and safety compaired with median or anterolateral incision.