Case 36

Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Clinical History:
The patient was a 6 year old female with a one month history of a dry cough.

Clinical Physical Exam:
Unremarkable

Clinical Labs:
Non-contributory

Clinical Differential Diagnosis:
Upper respiratory infection

Imaging Findings:
A chest film showed a large posterior mediastinal mass. A chest CT exam showed the mass to cross the midline, to be calcified and to extend into the spinal canal.

Images 1 and 2

Image 3

Imaging Differential Diagnosis:
Neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma

Operative Findings:
The patient was taken electively to the operating room and the bulk of the tumor was resected.

Pathological Findings:
Pathological examination of the specimen revealed findings compatible with a diagnosis of ganglioneuroma.

Final Diagnosis:
Ganglioneuroma, Posterior Mediastinal

Follow-up and Prognosis:
The patient had an uncomplicated post-operative course. A chest film taken 5 months after the surgery showed the tumor beginning to enlarge again, but no further therapy was planned at that time.

Similar Cases:
Case 32, Case 35, Case 42, Case 70

References:

• Paediapedia
• Cornell University Pediatric Pathology

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