CT features of mature teratoma in the mediastinum of two young adults—a report of two cases

Abstract

Abstract Background Germ cell tumors prefer gonadal regions, but they can be expected in extragonadal sites such as the anterior mediastinum, which is the commonly involved region after gonads. Amongst germ cell tumors, teratomas are the rarer subtypes which develop in the anterior mediastinum. Case presentation The authors present two adult patients, a male and a female, both complaining of chronic chest pain and cough. Chest CT scans were performed revealing characteristic CT features of mature teratomas in the anterior mediastinum which were extending to the superior mediastinum in both patients. Conclusion Germ cell tumors are involving the mediastinum; however, amongst all germ cell tumors, teratoma is the least common type arising in the mediastinum, and a chest CT scan considered the imaging investigation of choice. Surgery is the best option and patients may have a very good prognosis.

Keywords

• Mediastinal teratoma
• Young adults
• Report of two cases