Mesenchymal Hamartoma of Chest Wall in an Infant: Mimicking Persistent Pneumonia

Abstract

Mesenchymal Hamartoma of the chest wall (MHCW) is a very rare benign tumour. They are usually discovered in infancy. Spontaneous regression is known to occur in this benign condition. Management is surgical removal of mass if respiratory compromise is present. Conservative management is preferred modality in asymptomatic children as malignant transformation is not reported. Herein, we present a case of MHCW in a 5 month old infant presenting with acute respiratory distress with history of respiratory problem at 3 months of age. Child was suspected to have persistent pneumonia in view of radiological findings. Child’s respiratory distress improved with antibiotics and bronchodilators. Respiratory symptoms in MHCW are due to extrinsic compression of lung parenchyma. Present case had respiratory symptoms with persistent radiological findings leading to suspicion of persistent pneumonia. His respiratory symptoms and exacerbation on follow up was attributed to hyper reactive airway disease and MHCW was managed conservatively. The nonneoplastic nature, characteristic presentation, histopathology, imaging modality and management options of MHCW are discussed.

Keywords

• benign chest wall mass
• benign tumour
• persistent pneumonia