Cardiac changes in mediastinal seminoma - a case report

Abstract

Primary pure cell seminoma of the mediastinum is a rare and potentially fatal lesion. Encroachment or invasion of adjacent structures is common, as are distant metastases. We present an unusual case of mediastinal seminoma with directly intracavitary invasion into the right atrium and extension to the left atrium. A 22-year-old male with right side chest pain, progressive cough, dispnea, fever and right arm swelling lasting about a month is presented. Chest radiography on admission revealed a large mass in the anterior mediastinum. A cardiac ultrasonographic examination showed right atrial compression by the mass, with invasion of the right atrium wall. We also found polyp-like (about 2.5 cm in diameter) masses in left atrium near the area of the right pulmonary veins and a circumferential pericardial effusion. Percutaneous needle biopsy revealed mediastinal seminoma. To our knowledge, no similar case has been previously reported.

Keywords

• seminoma
• mediastinum