Mediastinal thymoma invading the superior vena cava and the right atrium

Abstract

An 86-year-old male patient presented with a large mediastinal tumor.A needle biopsy was performed and revealed a diagnosis of invasive thymoma. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography was performed in order to assess operability of the tumor. This showed a heterogeneously enhancing anterior mediastinal mass.The tumor had invaded the left brachiocephalic vein, presumably via the inferior thymic veins, which is a known feature of these tumors.The thymoma grew then endovenously through the superior vena cava into the right atrium.A pacemaker lead was completely encased by tumor tissue.The patient was deemed inoperable and underwent radiation therapy.

Key Words:

• thymoma
• invading
• vena cava
• right atrium