Resection of Intrapericardial Schwannoma Co-Existing with Thymic Follicular Hyperplasia through Sternotomy without Cardiopulmonary Bypass

A 35-year-old man was admitted to Korea University Anam Hospital for evaluation of intermittent chest pain. Computed tomography of the chest showed enlargement of a previously identified anterior mediastinal mass and also a well-defined, circumscribed mass in the subcarinal area, surrounded by the roof of the left atrium, right pulmonary artery, and the carina. Complete resection of the intrapericardial tumor was performed through median sternotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. Pathologic examination identified the tumor as schwannoma, of an ancient type, diffusely positive for the S-100 antigen. Unlike other reported cases, grossly, the tumor did not seem to be involved with any nerve.

Porcine Dermal Collagen (Permacol) for Sternal Reconstruction

In chest wall reconstruction after wide chest wall resection, the use of a musculocutaneous flap or prosthetic materials is inevitable for maintaining thoracic movement and a closed pleural cavity. We report a case of a 63-year-old male with a large invasive thymic carcinoma in the anterior mediastinum. The mass measured 6.8 cm and involved the sternum, left side of the parasternal area, ribs, and intercostal muscles. The patient underwent subtotal sternectomy, radical thymectomy, and reconstruction with biological mesh (Permacol). Successful chest wall reconstruction without any other complications was achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of Permacol.

Mediastinal Lipoblastoma: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Mediastinal lipoblastoma is a rare benign tumor originating from embryonic lipid cells and it almost always occurs during infanthood or early childhood. It is a tumor with a good prognosis despite its potential for local invasion and rapid growth. We report here on a three years old girl who was treated for a benign lipoblastoma in the anterior mediastinum. CT scanning showed a fat containing mass without internal calcification or fluid component, and the mass showed a compressive effect on the adjacent structures. The mass was located between the pericardium and right mediastinal pleura and it was removed completely without complication. Pathologic examination revealed a benign lipoblastoma. The patient showed no evidence of recurrence at the time of the report.

Mediastinal Neurofibroma in a the Patient with Type 1 Neurofibromatosis: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Neurogenic tumors are the most common posterior mediastinal tumors and accounting for 19~39% of all mediastinal tumors and 75% of all posterior mediastinal tumors. Neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant disorder with variable expression of tumors, including neurologic tumors of the peripheral nerves, nerve roots, and plexi. A posterior mediastinal neufibroma in neurofibromatosis patients is rare. We report here a case of posterior mediastinal neurofibroma in a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis.

Benign Mediastinal Cystic Teratoma Complicated by Cardiac Tamponade due to Trauma / 대한흉부외과학회지

Mediastinal teratoma is one of the most common lesions found in the anterior mediastinum, accounting for 8~13% of all mediastinal tumors. This tumor is incidentally detected by routine chest roentgengography, but pericardial perforation or pleural effusion occurs rarely. In our patient cardiac tamponade was developed due to anterior chest wall contusion, we confirmed the anterior mediastinal tumor. Vital signs were stabilized after the pericardiocentesis, and the patient underwent the tumor resection in the anterior mediastinum for a definite treatment. On histologic examination, the tumor revealed cystic structures composed of mature squamous epithelium, pilosebaceous glands, mature fat tissue, gastrointestinal mucosa, respiratory epithelium, and pancreatic tissues.