Published online Mar 16, 2024. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i8.1474
Peer-review started: December 8, 2023
First decision: December 18, 2023
Revised: December 29, 2023
Accepted: February 18, 2024
Article in press: February 18, 2024
Published online: March 16, 2024
Multilocular thymic cyst (MTC) is a rare mediastinal lesion which is considered to occur in the process of acquired inflammation. It is usually characterized by well-defined cystic density and is filled with transparent liquid.
We report on a 39-year-old male with a cystic-solid mass in the anterior mediastinum. Computer tomography (CT) imaging showed that the mass was irregular with unclear boundaries. After injection of contrast agent, there was a slight enhancement of stripes and nodules. According to CT findings, it was diagnosed as thymic cancer.
After surgery, MTC accompanied by bleeding and infection was confirmed by pathological examination. The main lesson of this case was that malignant thymic tumor and MTC of the anterior mediastinum sometimes exhibit similar CT findings. Caution is necessary in clinical work to avoid misdiagnosis.
Core Tip: Multilocular thymic cyst (MTC) is a rare mediastinal lesion, which is considered to occur in the process of acquired inflammation. It is usually characterized by well-defined cystic density and is filled with transparent liquid. Here we reported on a 39-year-old male with a cystic-solid mass in the anterior mediastinum. Computer tomography (CT) imaging showed that the mass was irregular with unclear boundaries. After injection of contrast agent, there was a slight enhancement of stripes and nodules. According to the CT findings, it was diagnosed as thymic cancer. After surgery, MTC accompanied by bleeding and infection was confirmed by pathological examination.