Mediastinal cavernous hemangioma in a child with pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Abstract We present a rare case of mediastinal cavernous hemangioma in a 9-year old girl with advanced pulmonary hypertension. Dynamic contrast enhanced computed tomography of the chest revealed a heterogeneous mass in the antero-superior mediastinum with multiple scattered calcifications, gradually increasing puddles of contrast enhancement and a dilated central vein draining into the superior venae cavae. Surgical resection was performed via median sternotomy. The central vein was ligated in close proximity to its draining point and the entire mass was carefully dissected and excised. The histopathological findings were consistent with cavernous hemangioma. Her postoperative course was uneventful and she was subsequently discharged. The cause of her pulmonary hypertension, however, remained uncertain and required further investigation.