Tuberc Respir Dis.  2009 Jun;66(6):482-485.

The Importance of the Simple Chest X-ray Tend to Make Careless Interpretation: with a Case of Mediastinal Tumor

• Kim EY
• Lim JE
• Park BH
• Yoon JY
• Jung JY
• Son JY
• Lee KJ
• Yoon YW
• Kang YA
• Moon JW
• Park MS
• Kim YS
• Chang J
• Shin SK
• Kim SK

Abstract

The middle mediastinum contains several important organs and pluripotent cells. It is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis in patients with middle mediastinal tumors due to a wide range of diseases. The likelihood of malignancy is influenced primarily by the following factors: patient age, size, tumor location, and the presence or absence of symptoms. We describe a case of a middle mediastinal tumor, which was suspected on chest x-ray; chest computed tomography revealed the eccentric mass of distal esophagus. This case emphasizes the diagnostic importance of the chest x-ray to the physicians. The possible differential diagnoses are reviewed.

Keyword

Leiomyoma; Mediastinal neoplasms

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis, Differential
Esophagus
Humans
Leiomyoma
Mediastinal Neoplasms
Mediastinum
Thorax

Figure

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  Figure 1 Chest X-ray showed a mass-like lesion at carina (arrow).

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  Figure 2 Endoscopic finding of esophageal submucosal tumor. There was a 1.7 cm-sized elevated lesion, which was covered with normal esophageal mucosa and showed positive rolling-sign, at 28 cm from incisor.

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  Figure 3 Endoscopic finding of esophageal submucosal tumor. There was a 1.7 cm-sized elevated lesion, which was covered with normal esophageal mucosa and showed positive rolling-sign, at 28 cm from incisor.

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  Figure 4 Endoscopic ultrasound finding of esophageal submucosal tumor. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a 1.7 cm-sized rounded, smooth-margined, well demarcated exoluminal growing mass. It was visualized as hypoechoic homogenous mass originated from the muscularis propria, consistent with leiomyoma.

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