Presternal giant epidermal cyst: about 2 cases

Epidermal cysts are a common benign lesion, occurring often above the shoulder and within the face and the scalp. Presternal site and huge volume are quite rare, especially in children. The authors report on two paediatric cases, discuss etiopathogenesis and diagnostic difficulties. A 2,5 and 3-year-old boys were admitted for voluminous subcutaneous tumour of the chest. The lesions had appeared since neonatal period with rapid growth after a minimal trauma for the last year. The physical examination found a great presternal cystic mass of 70 mm in diameter which is painless round and mobile. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, showed a subcutaneous cystic mass with no mediastinal involvement or other localization in both. Complete surgical excision including the overlying skin with direct cutaneous closure was performed in both cases. The histological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of epidermal cyst. Postoperative courses were uneventful with no recurrence during respectively 18 months and 5 years follow-up periods. Giant presternal epidermal cyst is uncommon and can raise diagnostic problems. Imaging investigations facilitate accurate diagnosis. Because of malignant degeneration, surgical excision should be mandatory

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in childhood: diagnosis difficulties and success of conservative treatment

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is an uncommon form of chronic pyelonephritis rarely seen in children. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and management is still obscure. The authors report on a focal pseudotumoral case and discuss therapeutic modalities. A 2-year-old boy was admitted for a 2-weeks history of fever and right flank pain. Physical examination revealed a right lumbar mass. White blood cell count was 12.800/mm3 and C reactive protein elevated [50 mg/1]. The urine culture was negative. Ultrasonography and computerized tomography demonstrated a focal multilocular cystic mass of the lower polar of right kidney, measuring 80 millimeters, with peripheral enhancement and perirenal involvement. At surgical exploration, a huge abscess of the lower polar of the kidney with dense adhesions to adjacent structures were noted. Excision of the collection and local drainage were performed. Pathologic examination of biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Intraoperative culture was positive for Escherichia coli. Successful treatment of the lesion was achieved with adjunctive antibiotic therapy. The postoperative course was uneventful over a follow-up period of 2 years. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a renal mass. A first-line conservative treatment must be strongly recommended in pediatric focal cases