A Rare Case of Asymptomatic Mediastinal Thymolipoma-presenting as Opaque Hemithorax

Abstract

Aim: To describe the imaging features of a rare case of an asymptomatic thymolipoma presenting as opaque hemithorax. Thymolipoma is a rare benign neoplasm of the thymus which is composed of thymic elements and adipose tissue. Presentation of Case: We present a case of opaque hemithorax in a 37 year old male following trauma to the chest. The patient had pain in the left side of the chest following a trauma and his physical examination showed tenderness in the left upper chest. Discussion: Plain radiography was done which showed an opaque hemithorax. Computed tomography of the chest was done which revealed a large fat containing mass lesion occupying the entire right hemithorax. Conclusion: To our knowledge there are only few cases of such unusual presentation of giant thymolipomas reported in English literature. The main purpose of this report is to discuss the rare presentation of a giant asymptomatic thymolipoma and the role of imaging in aiding the diagnosis.