Abstract
Background
Teratomas are rare tumors that present most commonly in the anterior mediastinum and
retroperitoneum. To date, the retropleural primary site has not been reported.
Case Presentation
A 9-month-old boy presented with a large, painless, right-sided abdominal mass. Laboratory
values, including tumor markers α-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin, were within normal limits. Diagnostic imaging, including
abdominal ultrasound, computed tomographic scan, and magnetic resonance imaging, suggested
a large retroperitoneal mass consistent with a teratoma. Because the mass was thought
to be arising from the retroperitoneum, an abdominal approach was chosen. After adequate
exposure, it became clear that the tumor was arising from above the diaphragm. The
diaphragm was incised, and the pleural cavity was entered. The tumor was found in
the retropleural space where it was dissected away from the inferior vena cava, aorta,
and chest wall. The patient recovered without complications.
Results
Histologic examination revealed a mature cystic teratoma with no malignant features.
The patient has been disease-free at 7-year follow-up, based upon both clinical examination
and diagnostic imaging.
Conclusion
This is the first case report of a teratoma arising from the retropleural space. Preoperative
imaging may be inaccurate for guiding surgical planning because the diaphragm may
not be clearly visualized with current diagnostic techniques. Surgeons should be cautious
regarding the location of tumors that arise near the diaphragm and should plan surgical
resection carefully.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 9,
2010
Received in revised form:
July 7,
2010
Received:
June 9,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
